118 The Care of Animals 



there is evidence of struggling or of spasms. Strug- 

 gling also occurs in many other forms of death. When 

 arsenic is used there is irritation and inflammation of 

 the stomach and bowels. 



An examination should be made for abnormal dis- 

 charges from the natural openings of the body. These 

 may occur as a result of bloating or decomposition 

 following death, or from the position of the body, 

 which may allow their escape by gravity. In case the 

 animal is a female and pregnant, evidence of parturition 

 should be looked for. 



The general appearance of the body should be noted, 

 whether fat or thin, as indicating starvation or disease. 



Signs of mange or itch should be looked for, as well 

 as evidence of injuries, especiallj^ fractures of bones, 

 punctured or gun-shot wounds, and hernias or rup- 

 tures. Bruises do not show plainly on animals until the 

 skin is removed. Sores that come from lying in one 

 position, or from struggling, are often important. In 

 regions where Texas fever occurs in cattle, the skin on 

 the abdomen and inside of the thighs and legs should 

 be examined for ticks. 



After a thorough external examination, the skin 

 should be removed and the body examined for wounds 

 or bruises. It must be remembered that, after death, 

 the blood settles in the lowest parts of the body, and 

 this must not be mistaken for disease. The color of the 

 tissues should be noted. Abnormally black, or bruised, 

 bloody -looking muscle, in joung cattle, may indicate 

 blackleg; or, in adult cattle and other animals, may 

 be anthrax. The appearance of the blood is important. 



