56 
F R. BLAZEKOVIC. 
moderate, gentle, normal circumstances, not absolutely dangeroij 
to the life of the animal; but upon the slightest provocation sue 
conditions may become eminently threatening to the organism. 
(a) Hypertrophy and expansion of the heart is, as the poa 
mortem examinations reveal, not unusual and often attains a 
astonishing size. The nature of the hypertrophy is scarce! 
ascertainable during life, though its presence can be proved wit 
certainty. In all cases hypertrophy has as a result, difficu 
breathing, but when affected in a high degree, it may upon tl 
slightest exertion increase to threatening asphyxia. It is one ( 
those conditions which in the older literature was designated \ 
“herzschlachtigkeit,” and we know by the name “emphysema. 
In the state of repose the pulsation is not very important; : 
moderate hypertrophy a stronger impulse is present. General 
emphysema of the lungs is developed at the same time. Tl 
number of such emphysematous horses is enormous, and met wii 
especially in cities, among horses belonging to the poorer clas 
who are obliged to own vehicles to get a livelihood. ^WIk 
hypertrophy is developed the impulse becomes changed, the be; 
less dragging, as though an obstacle were present, which has 
checking effect upon the action of the heart. The heart’s acti< 
is laborious, often indicated merely by an indefinite heavin 
trembling and whirring; it can scarcely overcome its mass, as 
were. 
In momentary increased activity of the heart the movemen 
are only weak and powerless. The pulse corresponds perfect 
with this condition ; with the number of beats it falls most 
below the normal, with longer intervals, is scarcely perceptibl 
weak and powerless. If defects of the heart are also present tl 
pulse is often intermittent, or so indistinct that several pulsatio 
are united into one. Generally a prominence of the jugular ve 
is noticeable; and in more violent action, even a pulsation of t) 
same. 
Percussion always gives an extended dullness of the regie 
of the heart, which is particularly evident in dogs. On ruscult 
tion, at the outset normal, short, clearer sounds are heard as lor 
as the dilatation of the ventricles is moderate, provided neitli 
