CHAPTER XI 

 SIMPLE AILMENTS 



THE stitch in time is of the utmost importance in con- 

 ducting the affairs of a stable, when it is a question of 

 applying a timely remedy and preventing a simple ailment 

 from developing into a serious illness. It is not necessary 

 to call in the assistance of the veterinary surgeon every 

 time, although it is not well to allow a disease to run on 

 until it becomes almost incurable before seeking profes- 

 sional advice ; and if a change for the better does not 

 speedily occur, when the illness is serious, the sooner the 

 veterinary surgeon is called in the better. 



The two great guides as to the progress of an inflam- 

 matory attack are the pulse, and the temperature chart, 

 and every horse-owner should know the mode of procedure 

 with both. The most convenient place for feeling the pulse 

 is towards the posterior part of the jaw-bone, where the 

 artery passes over a little groove. It should be noted 

 whether the pulse is soft or hard, full or feeble, regular 

 or irregular in beats and strength, and the number of beats 

 that occur in a minute. A strong, full pulse, or a soft and 

 full pulse, indicate health if they do not exceed forty-two 

 beats per minute, the normal range being from thirty-four 

 to forty-two beats, depending on the age of the animal, the 

 state of the atmosphere, and also whether any condition is 

 present which may cause undue excitement of the system. 

 When the beats are irregular, when, three or four follow 

 each other with regular rhythm and afterwards an inter- 

 mittent stage occurs for the space of about two beats, while 

 still the ordinary number is not exceeded per minute, heart 

 disease may be suspected. A weak, small pulse indicates 

 debility. A rapid, wiry, hard pulse, the artery feeling tense 



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