EXAMINATION OF THE SICK DOG. 55 



order to obtain it. The dog cannot answer our questions, how- 

 ever, and cannot by word of mouth tell us where the pain or 

 inconvenience is felt, and hence there is sometimes great difficulty 

 in detecting the seat of disease. Without the qualities of careful 

 observation, tact, and patience, no good result is likely to follow. 

 It is moreover desirable, that, like the good judge of a horse, 

 who commences with the head, and goes regularly through the 

 various parts of the body, so we should examine with a certain 

 method and order; and in this examination all our senses must 

 co-operate sight, hearing, smell, and touch, must all be called 

 to our aid. With their assistance we may hope to ascertain the 

 actual condition of the dog which is to be treated, and, by a 

 little care, the time will soon come when those signs will be 

 understood which were previously hidden, or, if visible, yet not 

 properly appreciated. On first visiting a sick dog you must be 

 very careful not to alarm him ; enter the kennel as if your object 

 was anything but what it is ; then, as if impromptu, take some 

 slight notice of the dog, and carefully make your observations, 

 without attracting his attention or alarming his fears. At this 

 time observe the state of the eyes, and note the breathing, 

 whether natural or quicker than usual, whether the dog lies on 

 his side, or curled up, or sits up on his hind-legs. Note also if 

 he sighs continually, or has hiccup, or expresses pain by whining 

 or moaning, or suddenly darting his nose towards his flank, or 

 chest, or any other part of his body. Mark also the state of the 

 skin, whether the hair lies smoothly, or stares and is rough, or 

 partly removed, or if there is any eruption visible. During this 



