FEVER. 187 



But temperatures under 99 or over 103 should arouse 

 suspicion of disease, and even a temperature of 102'6, if 

 constant, can not be normal. 



FEVER. 



An elevated temperature is an indication of that dis- 

 turbance of the bodily processes known as fever, which is 

 usually accompanied by an increase of heat production 

 and a decrease in heat dissipation. That there is increased 

 chemical activity is shown by the augmented output of 

 urea, carbonic dioxide (CO a ), and still more by the excess 

 in consumption of oxygen. More fuel and more smoke 

 generally mean more heat, and so it is with the body. 



It would seem that fever may be caused by poisons 

 produced within the body, or by any agency that will de- 

 range the nerve-centers or certain parts of them. 



Usually there is excess of solids in the excretions with 

 diminution of fluids. 



Many diseases are marked by febrile symptoms i. e., 

 elevated temperature, rapid pulse and respiration, with 

 diminished excretions, etc. Most, if not all, germ dis- 

 eases are characterized by febrile symptoms. 



THE PULSE. 



As indicating the rapidity and character of the heart- 

 beat, and the condition of the arteries, the pulse conveys 

 to the experienced a world of information. It may be 

 conveniently taken in the groin of the dog ; but often it 

 will be necessary, especially in the case of small dogs, to 

 attempt to get at the state of the heart directly, which can 



be readily done in the dog by feeling the organ through 

 14 



