FUNCTIONAL IRREGULARITY IN THE RYTHM OF THE HEART.
Associated or not with palpitation, irregularity in the force or frequency of the heart beats is sometimes met with at intervals or independently of any further indication of structural disease. Particularly in the greyhound and certain other breeds of dogs the temporary occurrence of intermitting action of the heart is a frequent though a very transient condition. It may be excited by some emotion or excitement such as the attentions of the owner, or the straining anxiety in the immediate anticipation of the chase. Here again digitalis is pronounced the great panacea though it need not be resorted to unless the habit interferes with the usefulness of the animal. If in any degree dependent on weakness, that must be counteracted by a systematic tonic treatment.