DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



GENERAL EXAMINATION. 



In making an examination of the dog for the purpose of diagnosis it is 

 best to class it under two heads: a general and a special examination. 



The general examination, used when the organism is considered as a 

 whole, is the method generally followed in surgical diseases, as in the case 

 of an injury where we first carefully examine the injured region and then 

 direct our attention to the other parts of the body. 



The special examination is made when we consider single special 

 organs of the body, particularly those of secretions and excretions. If 

 our attention is called to some specially striking symptom, we at once 

 examine a certain organ or group of organs. Frequently, for more cer- 

 tain diagnosis, it is necessary to make a microscopical examination of 

 the blood, urine, or faeces; or by means of a trocar obtain some of the con- 

 tents of certain cavities or tissues of the body to ascertain their true char- 

 acter and composition. The Rontgen rays are also used to obtain a 

 photograph of some foreign body or pathological alteration of the inner 

 structures; or the skin examined to detect the presence of parasites or 

 their embryos; and it may be necessary in some instances to inoculate 

 another animal or series of animals with the virulent material of some 

 disease to confirm a diagnosis. 



In making a general examination the following points have to be 

 observed: 1. The physicial condition; 2. the structure and constitution; 

 3. the nutritive condition; 4. the mucous membranes of the head; 5. 

 the skin and subcutaneous membranes; and 6, the temperature of the 

 body. 



THE PHYSICAL CONDITION. 



The physical condition of the dog suffering from any bodily ailment 



presents more rapid and marked changes than any other animal. Even 



in slight indispositions, such as disturbances of the stomach and digestive 



apparatus, the animal will be downcast, irritable and nervous, and often 



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