38 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



much is a practitioner benefited by the knowledge that a high 

 temperature is usually present in septic intoxication, if he is 

 not possessed of a scientific understanding of anatomy, physi- 

 olog}', bacteriology and pathology, as well as the principles of 

 clinical diagnosis? 



In order to determine the reasons for certain symptoms mani- 

 fested by the suliject, an analysis of these symptoms is the proper 

 method of procedure, insofar as this is poasi])le. If one may 

 reason that an animal assumes a certain position while at rest 

 to allow relaxation of an inflamed tendon or ligament, such a 

 fact enables the diagnostician to recall that this is indicative 

 of some specific ailment. In acute tendinitis, the subject while 

 at rest, maintains the afi'ected member in volar flexion because 

 this position permits relaxation of the inhibitory apparatus, 

 including the inflamed tendon. Likewise, the various a])normal 

 positions assumed, — adduction, abduction, undue flexion or 

 pointing — have their own significance and are taken into ac- 

 count by the trained diagnostician in the course of an examina- 

 tion. 



In the examination of lame subjects, where the cause is noi 

 obvious, a systematic method of diagnosis is pursued even by 

 the most expert practitioners. In all obscure cases of lameness 

 a methodical and thoroughly practical examination of the ani- 

 mal according to an established procedure is necessary to de- 

 termine the nature and source of the affliction. 



Anamnesis. 



The first thing to be given consideration in diagnosis is the 

 fact that related history of the case is not always dependable, 

 because of lack of accurate observation (u^ wilful deceit on the 

 ])art of the owner or attendant. The successful veterinarian 

 soon acquires the faculty of ol)taining information in a manner 

 best adapted to his client,— either by direct interrogation or by 

 subtle means of suggestion, and in this way he draws out evaded 

 facts essential to his diagnosis. In time he learns to make al- 

 lowance for misstatements made to shield the owner or driver 

 and to hide the facts of apparent neglect or abuse that the sub- 

 ject may have experienced. A suppurating cartilaginous quitter, 



