e chest
in the early stages of the disease may give marked relief, or, late in
the disease, smart blisters may be applied to the sides of the chest
with benefit. If the disease becomes chronic, iodid of iron and gentian
to support the strength will be indicated, but the iodid of potassium,
in 1 or 2 dram doses, two or three times a day, must not be abandoned so
long as there is an evidence of effusion or plastic exudate accumulating
in the pericardial sac. Where the effusion is great and threatens the
life of the patient, tapping by an expert veterinarian may save the
animal.

VALVULAR DISEASE OF THE HEART.

Acute valvular disease can not be distinguished from endocarditis, and
chronic valvular affections are generally the result of endocardial
inflammation. The valves of the left side are the most subject--the
bicuspid or mitral and the aortic or semilunar. The derangement may
consist of mere inflammation and swelling, or the edges of the valves
may become covered by the organization of the exudation, thus narrowing
the passage. Valvular obstruction and adhesions may occur or the
tendinous cords may be lengthened or shortened, thus obstructing the
orifices and permitting the regurgitation of blood. In protected cases
the fibrous tissue of the valves may be transformed into fibro-cartilage
or bone, or there may be deposits of salts of lime beneath the serous
membrance, which may terminate in ulceration, rupture, or fissures.
Sometimes the valves become covered by fibrinous, fleshy, or hard
vegetations, or excrescences. In cases of considerable dilatation of the
heart there may be atrophy and shrinking of the valves.

_Symptoms._--Valvular disease may be indicated by a venous pulse,
jerking pulse, intermittent pulse, irregular pulse; palpitation;
constant abnormal fullness of the jugular veins; difficulty of breathing
when the animal becomes excited or is urged out of a walk or into a
fast trot; attacks of vertigo; congestion of the brain; dropsical
swelling of the limbs. A blowing, cooing, or bubbling murmur may
sometimes be heard by placing the ear over the heart on the left side of
the chest.

Hypertrophy, or dilatation, or both, usually follow valvular disease.

_Treatment._--When the pulse is irregular or irritable, tonics, such as
preparations of iron, gentian, and ginger, may be given. When the action
of the heart is jerking or violent, 20 to 30 drop doses of tincture of
digitalis or of veratrum viride may