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.