70 CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS. 



1. Stage of increasing temperature (stadium incre- 

 menti). 



2. Acme, temperature at its highest (fastigium). 



3. Stage of falling temperature (stadium decrementi). 

 A rapid fall of temperature (within 1-2 days) is called 



crisis, a gradual decline, lysis. 



According to duration we distinguish: ephemeral (one 

 day), acute and chronic fevers. 



IV. Subnormal Temperature. Hypothermia. Like 

 the high normal, the subnormal temperature may be physiolog- 

 ical. Further, it may come from the fact that the sphincter 

 ani is relaxed, or that the thermometer has not been inserted 

 deep enough, or that the rectum is filled with feces, or that 

 defecation takes place just before or during the insertion of 

 the instrument. 



A subnormal temperature due to disease is unconimcn. 

 It is seen to occur, but not constantly, in parturient paresis, 

 ■ certain gastro-intcntinal diseases of the dog, anemia, hemor- 

 rhage, icterus gravis. A subnormal temperature is mo3t fre- 

 quent in fatal diseases just before death (temperature of col- 

 lapse). 



General Infectious Diseases. 



Septicemia. Nearly all forms of so-called "Blood Poisonings" 

 are designated by the collective term Septicemia. Symptoms: 

 suddenly appearing fever, often accompanied by chill; fever of the 

 continued type; mucous membranes highly reddened, often icteric, 

 frequently ecchymosed. Very rapid, small pulse. Food and drink 

 refused; fetid diarrhea. Great mental depression, blank counte- 

 nance, eyes sunken. Acute or peracute course. 



Pyemia is a general disease due to pus cocci gaining access to 

 the blood, and is characterized by multiple, secondary abscess for- 

 mation (pyemic metastasis) in the various organs, lungs, liver, 

 kidneys, brain, joints, etc. Diagnosis is easy when primary abscess 

 is available; otherwise it is difficult. As each new abscess forms 

 the temperature increases, therefore it is fever of intermittent type. 

 Mucous membranes are congested, icteric. Pulse is continued 

 high. Course subacute. 



