METHODS OP STUDYING THE DOG IN DISEASE. 191 



with a view of learning whether they are more or less 

 resonant than normal, etc. But it will be perceived that 

 all this can have but little meaning to him who does not 

 understand the normal ; hence every sort of examination 

 should be practiced on healthy dogs of various breeds and 

 sizes. The physical examination of the dog is easy in it- 

 self, but may be troublesome if the animal is restive or 

 fractious. 



This leads us to consider the manner of dealing with 

 dogs during examination. Some recommend that the dog 

 be taken out of the sight of his master, quickly thrown 

 down, and so handled that he will be taken by surprise 

 and offer no resistance. But in all dealings with dogs it 

 can not be too well remembered that they are very sensi- 

 tive creatures, of strong likes and dislikes, and good mem- 

 ories. A dog may be so treated that it will be almost im- 

 possible for the same person ever to succeed a second time 

 in examining him. Moreover, if a dog resists it is not 

 possible to form correct judgments always, as his functions 

 are disturbed thereby. 



If the dog is treated so that he shall see that no harm 

 is meant him, he will usually quietly submit according to 

 his natural amiability. A little rubbing of the head, a few 

 soothing words, a gradual approach toward the real object, 

 may occupy a few minutes at first, but save infinitely in 

 the end. Now and then there are exceptions, but, in our 

 experience, they are of the rarest. 



Before making any examination, the history of the case 

 should be obtained. To the experienced especially it 

 means a great deal, and upon it alone a fairly safe diag- 

 nosis may often be made. While the history is being re- 



