408 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



respiratory as also those of the circulatory organs are not so gene- 

 ral among oxen as among horses. Again, the lungs of an ox are 

 practically smaller than those of a horse. This is what might 

 be expected; for the latter animal displays a great deal more 

 of activity and exertion. The horse is very often pushed to 

 extremes, is sometimes kept in hot and close stables, and sub- 

 jected to sudden changes of temperature and draughts. Oxen, 

 especially those used for working, are also sometimes badly 

 treated ; but they are not as a rule overworked, nor are they 

 pampered. Cattle, especially when fat, are occasionally liable 

 to be overdriven. Dairy cows and beasts which are being fat- 

 tened are far too frequently subjected to a foul atmosphere, 

 which is sure to bring disease sooner or later. 



The name *' auscultation " is given to the process of listening, 

 by means of the ear applied to the surface of an animal, 

 to the sounds made in the functions of breathing, and those of 

 the heart, and so on. It is more valuable as an aid to diognosis 

 in the case of the lungs and air passages than in that of the cir- 

 culatory organs in oxen. If the animal is ordinarily clean and 

 free from lice, the ear may be applied directly to the walls of the 

 chest, and thus the sounds which are made by the movements of 

 breathing are heard without any intermediate appliances. In 

 case of need, a handkerchief or towel may be placed on the 

 surface of the part to be examined. The stethoscope is an 

 instrument specially designed to aid the hearing of sounds 

 produced within the body. The one most generally employed 

 consists of a long tube provided with a conical extremity, 

 formed so as to collect and concentrate the sounds, and with 

 a flattened ear-piece. The ordinary sounds which are heard in 

 the case of a healthy animal are interfered with, if there are 

 tumours or other obstructions in the nasal chambers, or if the 

 mucous membrane of those chambers is diseased. If the 

 mucous membrane of the larynx is thickened, roaring and 

 whistling may be produced. There is, too, a peculiar kind of 

 lowing which is a sign indicative of pain, and this may interfere 

 with auscultation. The vesicular sound observed during health 

 may be variously altered, enfeebled, absent, or replaced by some 

 other sound. If it be wanting, and if over the corresponding 

 part there be dulness on percussion, it is probable that the lung 

 is solidified or replaced by fluid. If there be gurgling, bubbling, 



