DETERMINING THE STATUS PRAESENS. 25 



greatly assisted by that of feeling. For the larger animals 

 the sounds obtained from this finger-to-finger method of per- 

 cussion are not definite enough for practical use. 



In the immediate method of percussion, however, the 

 sound can be augmented by employing the percussion hammer 

 to strike the finger which is applied to the part (finger-hammer 

 percussion). 



The pleximeter and hammer (plexor) are most com- 

 monly used in practice [so-called mediate percussion] as they 

 permit not only of gentle percussion but the part to be ex- 

 amined can be struck a heavy blow which sets deep-lying parts 

 into vibration. The pleximeter should be so held that its whole 

 surface is' in firm contact with the part to be percussed. In 

 thin animals the pleximeter should never be appHed across two 

 ribs, but should be made to occupy an intercostal space that 

 the air between it -and the body does not modify the sound. 

 The force with which we use the hammer depends upon the 

 thickness of the walls of the part percussed. [In fat animals 

 it is necessary to. use more force than in lean ones]. 



Usually two or three strokes, not too close together, 

 suffice to bring out clearly the character of the sound. For 

 comparison it is advisable to percuss corresponding parts on 

 each side of the body. 



For a better perception of the percussion-sound it is ad- 

 visable to select a suitable place. A room with closed doors 

 is the best ; in rooms filled with furniture, or out of doors the 

 application of percussion is never satisfactory. 



As a rule large animals are percussed while standing, 

 though small ones may be placed in a recumbent position upon 

 a table. Although gentle animals may stand quietly during 

 the operation, very nervous horses or stubborn cows some- 

 times resist. They can generally be quieted by speaking to 

 them in an assuring tone and by omitting all rough usage of 

 the instruments. Dogs and cats may be held by their owners 

 •or an attendant. 



