METHODS OF STUDYING THE DOG IN DISEASE. 189 



readily be mistaken for abnormalities of the heart. The 

 ratio of the respiration and pulse in the dog is about the 

 same as in man i. e., about one to four. 



THE METHODS OF STUDYING THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



He who is most familiar with the appearance and de- 

 portment of the dog in health at the various periods of his 

 existence will most readily appreciate all departures from 

 the normal. It follows that the student of canine medi- 

 cine should associate as much as possible with the dog to 

 acquire the desired familiarity. The idea that a student 

 of medicine can get all the knowledge of dogs that is re- 

 quired from seeing sick animals as they may be brought to 

 an infirmary, though widespread, has not proved correct, 

 and perhaps explains in no small degree that lack of con- 

 fidence in veterinary surgeons, as regards the dog, which 

 is certainly prevalent if not well founded. 



The careful study of even a single puppy throughout 

 its whole period of growth and development by one of 

 good powers of observation and a reflective habit of mind 

 is one of the best possible preparations for the study of 

 canine medicine, and the more of this that can be done the 

 better. Departures from the normal can only be ade- 

 quately appreciated by him who knows the normal (healthy) 

 dog. 



If the veterinarian were known to be a man who 

 understood well the various breeds of dogs in health, and 

 was in sympathy with dogs as dogs, there can be little 

 doubt that he would be more frequently consulted, espe- 

 cially by breeders ; and we see no reason why he should 

 not, like the " family physcian," be periodically called in 



