_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 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to seriously interfere with the heart action, the sack may be punctured with the trocar and cannula and the fluid withdrawn.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.