256 
FR. BLAZEKOVIC. 
sufficient fulcrurns can be found enabling us to explain the devel¬ 
opment of sucli affections. 
Following up such movements, we shall in the first place come 
to the conclusion that the mechanism of the heart itself can devi¬ 
ate from the normal in different ways. In literature not a few 
such cases are known, and how much more frequent are those 
which occur in practice and are not published. This is also true 
of the innate anomalies at the origin and the division of the ves¬ 
sels. Such deviations from the normal are as a result a positive 
embryo of chronic heart disease. According to the numerous ex¬ 
aminations jof Prof. M. Goubaux, of Alfort, anomalies are not at 
all rare in the division of the carotids. 
The innate abnormities of single parts of the heart and valves 
are genetic for the observation of heart diseases. Another matter 
of consequence is, that certain species of animals have a greater 
disposition to heart disease than others. Its frequency among 
dogs needs only to be remembered. Besides, it is a fact that 
thoroughbreds suffer more frequently with heart diseases than 
those of the common type. This may depend upon the manner 
of use made of such animals, for the excessive, especially the too 
violent and forcible, action of the heart must be the cause of the 
disease in thoroughbreds. Heart affections will be oftener noticed 
among noble breeds and trotters than among draught horses. 
Especially is it true of such half-breeds, which do not possess the 
qualities of thoroughbreds, and of which the performances of the 
latter are irrationally demanded. In a hundred cases of pulmon¬ 
ary emphysema forty per cent, is undoubtedly caused by affec¬ 
tions of the heart. Great exertio often produces inflammation 
and rupture of the heart. 
The influence of the nervous system, which is of vast impor¬ 
tance for the generation of heart diseases in human beings, must 
not be overlooked in animals. Such a case has come under my 
observation. The stallion “Voreze”fell down dead during the 
act of copulation. The post-mortem examination disclosed a 
rupture of the heart. According to my observation, male animals 
are more susceptible to heart disease than females. Moreover, 
draught horses suffer oftener with heart affections than brood 
