MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 55 



The pulse is taken by placing the fore or middle finger trans- 

 versely (crosswise) on the submaxillary artery at the margin of the 

 lower jaw, and counting the pulsations for half a minute and then 

 multiplying the result by two. 



127. Respiration. Free, soft, and noiseless. Number of respira- 

 tions per minute : 



At rest 10-12 



Walking 200 yards 28 



Trotting 5 minutes 52 



Galloping 5 minutes 52 



After exercise the breaching should subside quickly to normal, 

 The ratio of respiration to the beat of the heart is about one respira- 

 tion to four heartbeats. 



The respirations are counted by watching the rise and fall of the 

 flank, the movements of the nostrils, or, on a cold day, the steamy 

 expiration of the breath. 



128. Temperature. Varies from 99 to 100 F. It is increased 

 by exercise, excitement, and disease. Age has a slight influence, 

 the temperature being higher in young animals and lower in old ones. 

 In the Tropics it may average as high as 100.5 F. 



The temperature is taken with a clinical thermometer in the 

 rectum. The thermometer is moistened or oiled, the mercury is 

 shaken down to 96 or below, and the bulb of the thermometer is 

 inserted into the anus, and allowed to remain three minutes, when 

 it is withdrawn and the temperature noted. 



129. Defectation Occurs from 10 to 12 times in 24 hours, the 

 droppings being fairly well formed, free from offensive odor, and 

 varying in color from yellow to green, according to the nature of the 

 food. The amount of feces passed in 24 hours varies from 36 to 40 

 pounds, depending upon the size of the animal and the amount of 

 food given. 



130. Urination. Urine is passed several times daily, in quan- 

 tities of a quart or more. It is a thick yellowish fluid, and the quan- 

 tity passed in 24 hours varies from 3 to 6 quarts. During the act of 

 urination horses straddle, grunt, and assume a very awkward position, 

 which must not be mistaken for pain . 



