he usual signs dependent upon the imperfect arterialization of the
blood.

_Treatment._--Stimulants, whisky, or carbonate of ammonia may be of
service.

PALPITATION OF THE HEART.

This is a tumultuous and usually irregular beating of the heart. It may
be due to a variety of causes, both functional and organic. It may occur
as a result of indigestion, fright, increased nervousness, sudden
excitement, excessive speeding, etc. (See "Thumps," p. 225.)

_Symptoms._--The heart may act with such violence that each beat may jar
the whole body of the animal; very commonly it may be heard at a short
distance away from the animal. It can usually be traced very readily to
the exciting cause, which we may be able to avoid or overcome in the
future and thereby obviate subsequent attacks. Rest, a mild stimulant,
or a dose or two of tincture of digitalis or opium will generally give
prompt relief. When it is due to organic impairment of the heart it must
be regarded as a symptom, not as a matter of primary specific treatment.

SYNCOPE, OR FAINTING.

Actual fainting rarely occurs among horses. It may, however, be induced
by a rapid and great loss of blood, pain of great intensity, a
mechanical interference with the circulation of the brain, etc.

_Symptoms._--Syncope is characterized by a decrease or temporary
suspension of the action of the heart and respiration, with partial or
total loss of consciousness. It generally occurs suddenly, though there
may be premonitory symptoms, as giddiness, or vertigo, dilated pupil,
staggering, blanching of the visible mucous membranes, a rapidly sinking
pulse, and dropping to the ground. The pulse is feeble or ceases to
beat; the surface of the body turns cold; breathing is scarcely to be
perceived, and the animal may be entirely unconscious. This state is
uncertain in duration--generally it lasts only a few minutes; the
circulation becomes restored, breathing becomes more distinct, and
consciousness and muscular strength return. In cases attended with much
hemorrhage or organic disease of the heart, the fainting fit may be
fatal; otherwise it will prove but a transient occurrence. In paralysis
of the heart the symptoms may be exactly similar to syncope. Syncope may
be distinguished from apoplexy by the absence of stertorous breathing
and lividity of the visible mucous membranes.

_Treatment._--Dash cold water on the head; administer a stimulant--4
ounces of whisky or half an ounce of c