CHAPTER III 



HOW TO EXAMINE THE PATIENT 



Presumably a simple matter, this is, nevertheless, a 

 ^subject that requires the most careful consideration. 

 When conducting an examination that is to lead to the 

 diagnosis of a case of ' colic,' it should never be forgotten 

 that it is always a case of the greatest gravity in the 

 horse. 



On first sight, the pains of colic may often appear to 

 be of the most simple character, and yet terminate fatally 

 after the expiration of a few hours. I have repeatedly 

 seen cases where the main symptoms on a casual 

 examination were those that occasioned me no alarm. 

 Nevertheless, one hour afterwards I have foretold the 

 animal's death. There is not the slightest doubt that 

 the examination of the patient should always be of the 

 most searching nature. If the examination is half- 

 hearted and hasty, an entirely erroneous opinion will be 

 arrived at, and the horse, as a result, will suffer. 



Looking at the matter from a purely selfish point of 

 view, the veterinarian should constantly have in mind 

 the value of his reputation. By his clients, his standing 

 as a clever, shrewd man of medicine will always be 

 largely based upon the correctness and precision of his 

 prognosis in the cases they entrust to his care. As much 



