146 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



many different causes. In the dog the pulse heats from 70 to 80 

 times per minute. 



TEMPERATURE. 



It is important in disease to know what the temperature of tin 

 body is, and also ho\v to take it. The average temperature of a 

 healthy horse is about (nearly) 100 deg. F. Still it may range 



Fig. 19. Clinical or Fever Thermometer. 



from 99 deg. to 101 deg. F. The temperature of the body is 

 subject to changes by certain influences. The animal tempera- 

 ture is increased by heat, while cold decreases it. Exercise, work, 

 etc., also increases it. Drinking cold water lowers the animal 

 temperature. It is higher in young animals than in old ones. 

 Mares have a higher temperature than males. During the pro- 

 cess of digestion the temperature increases. 



The proper and most accurate method of taking the tempera- 

 ture is by means of a registered clinical thermometer (Fig. 19) 

 inserted into the rectum. Before inserting it you should see that 

 the mercury is below the minimum (say 5)0 degrees). The end 

 containing the mercury should be pushed in gently, leaving only 

 sufficient of the other end outside to take hold of when you de- 

 sire to withdraw it. The thermometer should be left in the rec- 

 tum (last gut) from three to four minutes. 



The method of taking the temperature by placing the finger 

 in the mouth requires considerable practice and delicacy of touch 

 to become expert, but, when a thermometer is not at hand, a little 

 practice will enable most any person of ordinary intelligence to 

 detect the presence or absence of fryer. 



