HOW TO EXAMINE THE PATIENT 27 



with gas. No intestine, large or small, should exhibit 

 pain or tenderness on pressure. 



(4) By Percussion. — This is performed by tapping the 

 abdominal walls with the tips of the fingers of the right 

 hand, with or without the left hand interposed. It will 

 yield evidence relating to the contents and size of the 

 viscera. Percussion over an intestine filled with gas 

 gives a clear sound ; over one containing solid matter a 

 dull sound. Where the contents are fluid the sound is 

 modified. 



This will conclude the examination of the patient, and, 

 although taking time to describe, its actual performance 

 will be found to occupy but a very short time. 



The veterinary fledgling should always follow some 

 such line of systematic inspection as I have here laid 

 down. In course of time he will find that it has become 

 part of his nature, and will be able to rattle through it in 

 so short a time as to convey no impression of painful 

 plodding to the outside observer. If possessed of tact, 

 he will manage to maintain a running conversation with 

 the owner the while he is doing it. He will become fond 

 of his work, find it both interesting and instructive, and 

 give all satisfaction to his client. 



