SIGNS OF DISEASE. 37 



genius of man never lias been, nor will be, able to raise up. 

 (Delafond.) 



SIGNS OF DISEASE. 



The Signs or Symptoms of a disease are the circum- 

 stances denoting its existence. We collect them from 

 observation, until at length we acquire a tact of pronouncing 

 this or that organ to be the seat of disease, and the disease 

 itself to be of this or that nature. All symptoms are 

 referable to two general heads ; to alterations either in the 

 structure of the part affected, or in its function. In a part 

 whose situation in the body is superficial, all physical 

 changes are readily noted ; such as sweUing or shrinking 

 of the part, hardness or softness, warmth or coldness, change 

 of colour, &c. But when it is a deep-seated part that is 

 ailing, we can no longer avail ourselves of this class of 

 symptoms, and therefore we have recourse to those which 

 spring from deranged function. 



The EARLIEST Symptoms of disease in the horse are, in a 

 general way, loathing of his food'; or (in the language of 

 the stable) the animal being " off his feed -'^ he consumes in 

 the course of the night a portion of his hay, but the whole 

 of his corn remains in the manger, untouched. Being 

 called to the 'animal, because he is " off his feed," we 

 inquire into his spirits, and are told that he has lost much 

 of his usual liveliness ; that he hangs heavy in hand at his 

 worTi ; and is averse to move, unless urged to it by whip or 

 spur. Or we may, perhaps, even perceive this depression 

 ourselves, by the hanging head, drooping eye, &c. We 

 feel his pulse, and find that beating with increased cele- 

 rity. We perceive that the surface of the body has lost its 

 natural warmth — the coat stares ; and the ears, arid legs in 

 particular, feel chilled. With such symptoms as these, we 

 may rest assured that disease has commenced ; but the 

 precise nature of the disorder it is not commonly in our 

 power to determine. It becomes our duty, however, to act, 

 and to do so without delay to the best of our judgment; as 

 by so doing we may occasionally arrest the attack. 



