DISEASES OF THE HEART IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
7 
intermittent, often oscillating. The pulse generally averages 
60-80, but may rise to 100-120. Auscultation indicates a vio¬ 
lent influx of blood which is interrupted by murmurs, produced 
by impediments. The sound is sometimes wheezing and flut¬ 
tering. 
The intensity of the symptoms and the changes during the 
couise are closely connected with the issues of the corresponding 
affection, and can properly be regarded as an essential part of the 
disease. 
Following in order, we might here discuss that second form of 
heart affection which appears acute and inflammatory, regardless 
of the cause or already existing effects. 
' The result of such affections is either a favorable change and 
cure, or increase of the inflammatory process to the highest de¬ 
gree and death; or a partial restoration and incomplete cure with 
development of chronic, pathologic and organic alterations in tlt£ 
heart, which latter condition is known under the very comprehen¬ 
sive term, “ Defects of the Heart.” 
A characteristic of all acute inflammatory affections of the 
heart is the ever present feverishness of the whole organism, 
whereby often danger of death suddenly occurs. It is not abso¬ 
lutely requisite that such affections should be considered the cause 
of death. 
We shall now describe such diseases of the heart as are based 
upon inflammatory action. 
(A) Inflammation of the Pericardium. 
Inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) is without 
doubt, the most prevalent of heart diseases among domestic 
animals. It is also the least difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms 
are clearly defined and the diagnostic expedients can be most 
readily applied. 
At the outset of the disease the difficult and accelerated respi¬ 
ration (to 30 per min.) becomes conspicuous upon the slightest 
movement; however, the physical examination will prove that no 
lung trouble is present. A violent fever will facilitate the diag¬ 
nosis before additional characteristic symptoms appear. The 
variable severity of the fever at short intervals must not be 
