94 THE farmer's veterinarian 



and, with practice, can be constantly used in diag- 

 nosing the nature of the ailment. For instance, a 

 soft pulse, one that is easily compressed by the 

 finger, indicates bronchitis. A hard pulse, one not 

 easily depressed by the finger, indicates acute in- 

 flammation. A hard pulse may be quick and bound- 

 irig and forceful. An irregular pulse, one that beats 

 fast for a time, then slowly, indicates a weakened 



feeling the pulse 



The heart beat, as it is called, may be felt by placing the 

 finger over any of the superficial arteries. The submaxillary 

 artery as it passes under the edge of the lower jaw close to 

 the bone is a convenient vessel for the purpose. 



heart condition. A slow, full pulse, one that comes 

 up gradually to the finger touch, indicates some 

 brain trouble. 



Taking the Temperature. — AVhile the heat of the 

 body may be surmised by touch and feeling this is 

 not a reliable guide as to the temperature. A self- 

 registering thermometer, inserted into the rectum, 

 is the only reliable means for getting this desirable 

 information. In a state of health the temperature 

 of the horse ranges from ioo° to 102.5°. 



