excitement. A quiet stall away from the other animals is best. The
treatment of palpitation resulting from some organic heart disease must be
directed largely at the original disease. Morphine is commonly used for the
treatment of this disorder. Weak, anaemic animals should receive blood and
bitter tonics. If we have reason to believe that the disturbance is caused
by improper feeding, the animal should receive a spare diet for a few days.
In such cases it is advisable to administer a physic.

PERICARDITIS.--Inflammation of the pericardial sack is usually a secondary
disease. It is frequently met with in influenza, contagious
pleuropneumonia, hog-cholera and rheumatism. Cattle may suffer from
traumatic pericarditis caused by sharp, pointed, foreign bodies passing
through the wall of the reticulum and penetrating the pericardial sack. The
jagged ends of fractured ribs may cause extensive injury to neighboring
parts, and the inflammation spreads to the pericardial sack.

_The symptoms_ of pericarditis may not be recognized at the very beginning
when the disease occurs as a complication of influenza, or infectious
pleuropneumonia. The manifestation of pain by moving about in the stall,
refusing to eat and the anxious expression of the face are the first
symptoms that the attendant may notice. The body temperature is higher than
normal, and the pulse rapid and irregular. On auscultation, friction sounds
that correspond to the tumultuous beats of the heart are heard. When fluid
collects within the pericardial sack, the heart beats become feeble and the
pulse weak. Labored breathing and bluish discoloration of the lips follow.
The disease usually runs a very acute course. The prognosis is unfavorable.

_The treatment_ recommended in pneumonia is indicated in this disease.
Absolute rest and the feeding of an easily digested, laxative diet is a
very essential part of the treatment. At the very beginning morphine may be