GENERAL PART OF EXAMINATION. 43 



possess little power of sustaining weight,- hence they suffer change 

 in form when weight of the body must be borne by them. 



a. Rachitis appears only in young animals, mostly in pigs 

 and puppies. Pathologically the disease may be considered to be 

 a remaining softness of the bones, the epiphyses becoming en- 

 larged, the diaphyses bent. An upward curvature of the spine ^^ 



is called kyphosis, a downward ^^ lordosis, a lateral I scoliosis. 

 Animals suffering from rachitis remain lying a great deal, find 

 trouble in regaining their feet, and locomotion is difficult. 



b. Osteomalacia. Fragility of the bones is seen only in adult 

 animals (cattle). The animals lie down continually, are weak, eat 

 but little, and become thin in flesh. The bones of the extremities 

 become brittle; spontaneous fractures, decubitus, and death ensue. 



3. The Skin. 



The condition of the skin indicates the state of health. 

 The condition of tlie skin is affected not only in local diseases 

 of that organ, but in many maladies of a general nature, 

 involving internal viscera. An examination of the integument, 

 therefore, is of importance to diagnosis. The skin is examined 

 by inspection and palpation; in local diseases the microscope 

 is employed. An examination of the skin includes the fol- 

 lowing : 



I. Condition of the hair coat. In horses and cattle in 

 good condition the hair is usually short, fine, glossy, and lies 

 smoothly. Horses running on pasture or kept in unsanitary 

 stables, show a long, lusterless, rough, bristling, hair coat. 

 If the condition of the hair coat is bad, notwithstanding good 

 care and sheher, it may be assumed that the animal is suf- 

 fering from ili health. The appearance of the hair coat is 

 influenced mostly by chronic diseases. Temporarily the hairs 

 may become erect when the animal is carrying increased tem- 

 perature (chill) or from the effects of cold air or water. 



In long haired animals the hair coat should lie closely 

 matted and the hairs have the same general direction. 



S h e d d i n g o f t h e h a i r. In horses and cattle a par- 

 tial shedding of the hair occurs normally each fall and spring.. 



