CHAPTER XV. 

 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 

 1. The Pulse. 



The pulse of a cow when in normal condition beats forty 

 eight times per minute. It is then said to be normal, that is, 

 natural. 



The pulse is usually taken or counted on the small artery 

 crossing the lower side of the under jaw about the centre — 

 the same position as that of the horse. It is more difficult 

 to take the pulse of a cow because of the looseness of the 

 skin, but with a little practice it can be felt quite easily. 

 Over one hundred beats per minute indicates a serious 

 condition. 



2. Temperature. 



The temperature of the ox as well as that of the horse i.- 

 a very important factor in determining the extent of any 

 disease with which the animal may be afflicted. 



The temperature when in a healthy, natural condition 

 ranges from 99° to 101°. It is then said to be normal. 

 Should it rise above or fall below this point it is said to be 

 abnormal. An ox is considered to be in a very dangerous 

 condition should the temperature rise above 107°. 



The most convenient method of determining the tem- 

 perature is to place a clinical thermometer in the rectum. In 

 from three to five minutes the temperature is accurately 

 registered. 



3. Respiration. 



From ten to fifteen breaths per minute is taken by the 

 ox when in a healthy, natural condition and at perfect rest. 

 This may be easily ascertained by noticing the heaving of the 

 chest. Respiration, like the temperature and pulse, is affected 

 by disease. 



4. Diseases of the Heart, Arteries and Blood. 



These diseases in cattle are so similar to those of the 

 horse that we refer the student to Part II. The pages of 

 contents or index will direct to the proper disease. 



