18 THEORY AND PRACTICE 



supposing it to be fatal, the general system is becoming ex- 

 hausted, and the pulse keeps growing weaker until finally it 

 becomes imperceptible, the heart ceases to beat and the animal 

 is dead. 



The pulse of the horse varies from 35-45 beats per minute. 

 Under different conditions, on account of some idiosyncrasy, or 

 external influences such as heat, cold, exercise, etc., the pulse of 

 the horse may be faster or slower than 35. In taking the pulse 

 approach the horse slowly and quietly, and in an unconcerned 

 manner place one hand high up on his nose to steady the head. 

 The right hand is the best to use. Let the other feel for the 

 sub-maxillary artery. Roll the artery with the fingers making 

 sure of its location, and then count the pulse. Give the animal 

 time to quite down, else the first count will be too high, due to 

 tlie excitement of your approach. Do not look the horse in the 

 eye. It makes him nervous. 



The pulse of the ox runs from 45 to 50, with an average 

 of 45. The pulse of the sheep runs from 70 to 80, with an 

 average of 72 or 75. The pulse of the dog is 72, the same as 

 in the human. 



In the ox it is not best to take the pulse from the sub- 

 maxillary artery, for the skin over that region is thick, loose and 

 pendulous, and this makes it difficult to find the pulse beat or 

 if found to determine its correct character. The carotid artery 

 in the neck is more suitable. Work the fingers under the margin 

 of the levator humeri and feel for the artery. In the sheep, if 

 the wool extends far down on the legs, then listen to the heart. 



Of the various kinds of pulse we have the following: 



1. Frequent and infrequent — 



referring to the number of beats per 

 minute. Physiological conditions and 

 disease cause the pulse to vary. 



2. Quick and slo w — referring to 



the actual time of each individual 

 beat. 



3. Large and smal 1 — with refer- 



ence to the volume of blood making 

 up the pulse wave. 



