DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMEKT. 87 



deficient. Its firmness should afterwards be tried, and 

 the itchiness of the skin tested by the nails, as well 

 as its thickness and pliancy ascertained between the 

 fingers. 



The hand should also be applied to the throat, and 

 carried along the course of the windpipe, feeling for any 

 swelling of the salivary glands, or enlargement of the 

 thyroid. It is next passed to the abdomen, and the inferior 

 part of the cavity is gently pressed upwai'ds, to ascertain 

 if the rectus abdominis muscle be contracted, or the 

 animal shows symptoms of tenderness. The abdomen 

 may subsequently be kiieaded between the fingers. The 

 amount of fat should not be unnoticed, nor should the 

 firmness of the muscles pass unobserved. 



When all this is accomplished, the dog is laid upon its 

 side or back, and the tail being elevated, the anus is 

 inspected and felt, to see whether it be inflamed or pro- 

 truded, and to feel if it be indurated or thickened. 



The feet are now taken up, and the length and shape 

 of the nails, with the condition of the dew claws, inspected, 

 to see whether they are growing . into the flesh, or by 

 their shortness indicate the animal has been accustomed 

 to healthful exercise. The pad and web also receive a 

 glance. 



If the animal be a male, the prepuce is first pressed 

 and then withdrawn, to perceive if any discharge be 

 present, or if the lining membrance be inflamed or ulcer- 

 ated. 



Should it be a bitch, the vulva are inspected, to 



