DISEASE IN GENERAL 145 



diagnosis the work, food, care, exercise, etc., which the animal has 

 had. 



An examination of the patient to determine just what disease 

 is present, and to what extent it has progressed, calls for the 

 services of a well-trained veterinarian. Even an experienced 

 diagnostician fails to make an absolutely accurate diagnosis in 

 more than 50 per cent, of his cases. However, every horseman 

 should be able to recognize the more common diseases. In order 

 to do this correctly he should follow a systematic course in making 

 the examination, using as aids things which will throw light upon 

 the physical state and functions of the body organs. 



In making a diagnosis the following physical aids, together with 

 specially designed instruments of precision for the various senses, 

 may be used. 



Inspection, or the use of the eye, to record visible changes 

 in the character of the respirations, the odor emitted by the secre- ' 

 tions and excretions, the gait, and the posture. 



Palpation, or the use of the sense of touch, to determine the 

 size, shape, and consistency of the part. 



Auscultation, or the application of the ear to the part, to detect 

 unusual sounds produced as a result of disease and to learn the 

 condition of the deep-lying organs. 



Among the important points to be covered in the general exami- 

 nation to establish a diagnosis are: 



(1) Attitude of the Patient. — Healthy horses stand or lie, but 

 sick ones assume peculiar attitudes. For example, in pharyngitis 

 or sore throat the head is poked out. Very sick horses hold the 

 head down and droop the ears. The fore legs are held apart in 

 chest troubles. Horses suffering from azoturia or tetanus are 

 often unable to rise. In acute founder the patient stands with the 

 hind legs well under the body and cannot be made to back. 



(2) Examination of the Skin. — The skin's condition is an indica- 

 tion of the state of health. When the hair-coat is smooth and 

 glossy it shows that the digestive organs are functioning properly 

 and that the animal has been given good care. Alopecia, or falling 

 of the hair from over the entire body, may follow recovery from 

 severe diseases. The condition of the skin as to sweat secretion 

 should be carefully noted. Profuse sweating occurs as a result of 

 weakness, pain, and certain diseases of the muscles, like azoturia 

 and tetanus. 



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