DIAGNOSIS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE 9 



the different groups of body organs. A careful study of this 

 group of symptoms enables us correctly to diagnose disease and 

 inform ourselves as to the progress of long, severe affections. 

 These symptoms occur in connection with the pulse, respirations, 

 body temperature, skin and coat, visible mucous membranes, 

 secretions and excretions, and behavior of the aninuil. 



The local symptoms are confined to a definite part or organ. 

 Swelling, pain, tenderness and loss of function are common local 

 s;)Tnptoms. A direct symptom may also be considered under this 

 head because of its direct relation to the seat of disease. It aids 

 greatly in forming the diagTiosis. 



Other terms used in describing s^miptoms of disease are 

 ohjectiue, which includes all that can be recognized by the person 

 making the examination ; indirect, which are observed at a dis- 

 tance from the seat of the disease; and premonitory, which 

 precede the direct, or characteristic sjanptoms. The subjective 

 s_Nanptoms include such as are felt and described by the patient. 

 These symptoms are available from the human patient only. 



Pulse. — The character of the intermittent expansion of the 

 arteries, called the pulse, informs us as to the condition of the 

 heart and blood-vessels. The frequency of the pulse beat varies 

 in the different species of animals. The smaller the animal the 

 more frequent the pulse. In young animals the number of beats 

 per minute is greater than in adults. Excitement or fear, espe- 

 cially if the animal possesses a nervous temperament, increases 

 the frequency of the pulse. During, and for a short time after, 

 feeding and exercise, the pulse rate is higher than when the 

 animal is standing at rest. 



The following table gives the normal rate of the pulse beats 

 per minute : 



jlorse 36 to 40 por minute 



Ox 45 to 50 per minute 



gheep 70 to 80 per minute 



Piff 70 to SO per minute 



Dog 90 to 100 per minute 



