204 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



the skin lias been dissected back from the middle line. 

 Removal of hair by scissors will often be advisable. 



The circulatory and respiratory systems are so closely 

 related that heart, lungs, etc., should be examined early. 

 If any fluid is present in the chest it should be described, 

 removed, measured, etc. The statement of the position of 

 organs if abnormal is very important. 



If the abdomen is opened before the heart or circu- 

 latory system in any part is disturbed, some valuable ob- 

 servations may be made throwing light on the question of 

 congestion, inflammation, etc. 



After noting the position, appearance, etc., of the 

 heart, great vessels, lungs, and other contents of the 

 thorax, the heart may be incised in position, the pres- 

 ence of clots observed, the amount of blood in a fluid 

 state, etc., all cuts being made so as not to injure the 

 valves. 



Then the organ may be removed, cutting away as 

 much of the great vessels with the heart as possible, when 

 all pa-rts may be opened up fully for more complete ob- 

 servation. 



The lungs should be removed with the trachea and 

 larynx, so that all may be carefully examined. It should 

 always be stated, in case of suspected disease, whether sec- 

 tions of the lungs will float or not. The character of se- 

 cretions in the bronchial tubes is to be stated, and, in case 

 of sudden death, foreign bodies looked for in the larynx, 

 bronchial tubes, etc. 



The same care should be taken before removal to note 

 the position of organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavities 

 as in the thorax. 



