be given until these symptoms abate.
As the disease nearly always is the result of endocarditis, the iodid of
potassium and general tonics, sometimes stimulants, when general
debility supervenes, may be of temporary benefit. Very few animals
recover or remain useful for any length of time after once marked
organic changes have taken place in the valvular structure of the heart.

ADVENTITIOUS GROWTHS IN THE HEART.

Fibrous, cartilaginous, and bony formations have been observed in some
rare instances in the muscular tissue. Isolated calcareous masses have
sometimes been embedded in the cardiac walls. Fibrinous coagula and
polypous concretions may be found in the cavities of the heart. The
former consist of coagulated fibrin, separated from the mass of blood,
of a whitish or yellowish white color, translucent, of a jellylike
consistence, and having a nucleus in the center. They may slightly
adhere to the surface of the cavity, from which they can easily be
separated without altering the structure of the endocardium. They
probably result from an excess of coagulability of fibrin, which is
produced by an organization of the lymph during exudation. They are
usually found in the right auricle and ventricle.

Polypous concretions are firmer than in the preceding, more opaque, of a
fibrous texture, and may be composed of successive layers. In some
instances they are exceedingly minute, while in others they almost fill
one or more of the cavities. Their color is usually white, but
occasionally red from the presence of blood. They firmly adhere to the
endocardium, and when detached from it give it a torn appearance.
Occasionally, a vascular communication seems to exist between them and
the substance of the heart. They may be the result of fibrinous
exudation from inflammation of the inner surface of the heart or the
coagulation of a portion of the blood which afterwards contracts
adhesion with the heart. These concretions prove a source of great
inconvenience and often danger, no matter how formed. They cause a
diminution in the cavity in which they are found, thus narrowing the
orifice through which the blood passes, or preventing a proper
coaptation of the valves, which may produce most serious valvular
disease.

_Symptoms._--These are frequently uncertain; they may, however, be
suspected when the action of the heart suddenly becomes embarrassed with
irregular and confused pulsations, great difficulty of breathing, and
t