172 RUPTURE OF THE LEFT VALVE OF THE HEART. 
The external applications must also be more fluid, as in this 
case there are seldom any open sores; with this intention, any of 
the following liniments may be applied once or twice a-day : — 
Take of Spanish flies powdered one ounce, spirits of turpen- 
tine one pint — mix for use ; or. 
Spirit of wine one pint, camphor one ounce, corrosive subli- 
mate one drachm — mix for use ; or, 
Vinegar one pint, white vitriol and crude salt of ammoniac of 
each half an ounce — dissolve them. 
[To be continued.] 
RUPTURE OF THE LEFT VALVE OF THE HEART 
IN A BITCH. 
By M. Leblanc. 
The more my researches into the diseases of the heart increase, 
the more am I convinced that they are of frequent occurrence 
among quadrupeds. Two among the cases which have lately 
come under my notice have appeared to me to offer points of 
considerable interest. I will briefly relate the history of them. 
A black pointer of the Scotch breed, belonging to M. B., 
although having, by reason of her excellent condition, every ap- 
pearance of good health, was often ill, especially after running 
fast. She frequently fell into a fit after having run a little way, 
and sometimes even after playing in the yard. I saw her several 
times in 1841, and bled her after some of these fits. When I 
examined her, I could plainly perceive considerable and violent 
spasmodic motion of the heart. The sounds of the beating of 
the heart were irregular and convulsive. 
In 1842, the bitch remained in my infirmary from the 3d of 
May to the 24th of June, in order to be cured of an attack of 
mange. During her stay in the hospital she again had these fits 
or swoonings several times repeated. The overseer told me that 
these attacks almost always followed after having been playing 
with other dogs. She appeared as if struck by lightning, and 
remained motionless for several minutes, her gums losing their 
natural appearance and assuming a bluish hue. After the lapse 
of a few minutes she again arose as if nothing had been the 
matter. 
