126 OF THE PULSE. 



monia also ; but in catarrh it usually exhibits more frequency 

 than in pneumonia. The wiry pulse is a very important 

 modification of the hard ; in which last the sensation is con- 

 tracted from that of a vibrating cord to that of a jarred 

 wire ; whence its name of wiry, thready, &c. It is com- 

 monly accompanied by increased frequency ; and is often 

 present in the protracted stages of abdominal inflammation ; 

 and in some few it accompanies them from their outset. 

 It appears to be the common consequence of the hard and 

 full pulse ; and frequently succeeds to it in the secondary 

 stages of inflammatory aflections. The oppressed pulse is 

 also a modification of the hard pulse ; and is common to 

 the active stages of inflammation of the lungs. 



A small pulse is usually present in all cases of great de- 

 bility ; and is invariably attended with increased frequency. 

 When it is Yevy quick, small, and thread-like, it shows that 

 the debility is extreme ; and prognosticates a fatal termina- 

 tion of the existing disease : when this pulse varies in its 

 regularity, and intermits, it is even more certainly a fatal 

 prognostic. 



A quick pidse may denote irritability of the system ; but 

 more commonly is attendant upon weakness. When pro- 

 duced by irritability, it seldom exceeds twenty beats more 

 than the natural standard ; and it likewise has a strength 

 proportioned to its speed : when it is caused by weakness, 

 it is usually from seventy to more than the most patient 

 observer can count. It is a bad sign when it reaches the 

 last-mentioned height ; and the utmost skill and perse- 

 verance are then required to prevent a fatal termination. 



A slow pulse may be occasioned by pressure on the brain ; 

 from the eflfect of accidents ; or from congestion, &c. It 

 may also be brought on through the medium of the stomach ; 

 by various substances taken in. White and black hellebore ; 

 aloes ; digitalis ; and whatever creates nausea, decreases the 

 frequency of the pulse. But, unfortunately, in the horse 

 our means of exciting this sensation are usually limited to 

 such matters as are in themselves sources of great irritation. 

 The pulse may be also diminished in its frequency by cold ; 

 but at the same time it is apt to be increased in strength. 

 We must likewise bear in mind that a simple alteration in 



