40 THEORY AND PRACTICE 



The various procedures in making a diagnosis are as fol- 

 lows : 



1. Inspection. 



2. Palpation. 



3. Palpitation. 



4. Auscultation. 



5. Percussion. 



6. Succussion. 



These are the means employed to make a physical diagnosis. 



Inspection. — This implies a thorough observation of the an- 

 imal before touching him at all. It includes the movements of 

 the chest and abdominal muscles ; the position of the elbows ; 

 the expression of the countenance, which is quick to indicate 

 distress; the extent of dilatation of the nostrils; the amount and 

 character of any nasal discharge, and the appearance of the coat. 



Mensuration. — This implies the measuring of any part and 

 the comparison of it with the opposite side. The measurements 

 are usually sized up with the eye rather than with a tapeline ; in 

 this way the eye becomes trained to routine practice. 



Prof. Gamgee was a great stickler for tapeline measurements, 

 but he was more scienti'iic than practical. 



Palpation. — This is the act of feeling. See if the surface 

 is cold or hot. Manipulate the parts to find if any soreness be 

 present; feel of the coat; count the pulse; take the temperature; 

 when indicated, lay the hand upon the horse's hip and feel the 

 impulse of the labored breathing, for it is an important point in 

 diagnosis. 



Auscultation. — This is an application of the ear to the wall 

 of the body cavities to ascertain whether the sound be normal 

 or not. The ear can be applied directly to the surface or a 

 stethoscope can be used. In veterinary practice the ear is more 

 commonly used. 



Percussion. — This is the tapping of the surface over cavi- 

 ties to ascertain the density of the cavity. The practitioner must 

 be familiar with the normal resonance of the body cavities. This 

 varies according to the amount of flesh overlieing the cavity. A 

 thin horse has greater resonance of his body cavities than a fat 

 one. Dullness of the chest indicates disease ; dullness of the 



