given to quiet the tumultuous beats of the heart. Cold applications to the
chest wall in the form of ice packs should be used. Heart tonics and
stimulants such as digitalis, strychnine and alcohol should be administered
when the pulse beats weaken. To promote absorption of the exudate, iodide
of sodium may be given. Mustard paste, or a cantharides blister applied
over the region of the heart is useful in easing the pain and overcoming
the inflammation. If fluid collects in sufficient quantity to seriously
interfere with the heart action, the sack may be punctured with the trocar
and cannula and the fluid withdrawn. Great care must be used to avoid
injury to the heart and infection of the part.

[Illustration: FIG. 24.--Elephantiasis in horse.]

ACUTE LYMPHANGITIS.--This is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels of
one or both hind limbs. The attack comes on suddenly and usually occurs in
connection with rest, and in horses that are of slow, quiet temperament.
The _exciting cause_ is an infection of the part with bacteria, the
infection probably occurring through some abrasion or small wound in the
skin.

_The local symptoms_ are swelling, tenderness and lameness in the affected
limb. The animal may refuse to support its weight on the affected limb. The
lymphatic glands in the region are swollen, and the swelling of the limb
pits on pressure. In the chronic form of the disease, the regions of the
cannon and foot remain permanently enlarged, and the swelling is more firm
than it is in the acute form (Fig. 24).

_The general symptoms_ are high body temperature, rapid pulse and the
partial or complete loss of appetite.