544 
CARDITIS. 
at the same time anxious to know that the operation is founded 
upon proper and scientific principles. To the scientific veterinarian, 
however, it must at once be obvious, that this operation is apiece 
of absurd quackery; not so, however, to the gentleman or the farmer, 
who has not studied anatomy and physiology. To him the loss of 
the animal is a matter of importance, and every thing that seems 
likely to prevent or cure disease is gladly tried. 
In this case an operation is recommended; it is backed by 
apparent success in other cases; and when he tries it, there is 
every appearance of success: but it will not bear the test of 
investigation, for there is nothing in the anatomy of the parts that 
will admit of an operation that could prove useful. Nothing 
short of such a destructive laceration of parts as would be fol¬ 
lowed by a permanent contraction would have the desired effect; 
and in thus mangling her, there is scarcely a doubt that the 
very effect would certainly be produced which the operation was 
intended to prevent. The operation which the quack alluded 
to performs, appears to be a laceration of the orifice of the 
urethra; and if intended to obstruct the passage of the urine, 
might have that effect, by the inflammation which would follow ; 
but to suppose that by such an operation abortion could be pre¬ 
vented, is really out of the question. D. 
CARDITIS. 
Bj/ Mr. Small, Glasgow. 
Having seen in the last number of your most useful periodical 
an account of a case of spasm of the diaphragm by an old friend 
and fellow pupil, I take the liberty of sending you a history of 
two cases of inflammation of the heart, as transcribed from my 
note book, the symptoms of which are very analagous to those 
related bv Mr. Tombs. 
•/ 
CASE I. 
March 3J, 1831.—A black horse, aged, but in high condition, 
the property of Mr. Menzies, of Friartown, near Perth, was taken 
ill while at work in the plough. The first symptom of illness 
which the ploughman observed was a reluctance to proceed; and, 
when allowed to stop, he would cringe together, or draw his hind 
legs up under his body, as if griped or suffering pain internally. 
On my arrival I found the horse standing and sweating pro¬ 
fusely ; the nasal membranes and conjunctiva very much reddened \ 
