146 THE HOBSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE , 



(3) Examination of the Visible Mucous Membranes. — The con- 

 junctiva or mucous membrane lining the eyelids and those at the 

 natural body openings reveal the character of the circulating blood. 

 Paleness indicates a congestion of blood in the intestines or a de- 

 ficiency of the blood in general (anemia). Marked redness is 

 present in all irritated conditions. If they are very dark red in 

 color, there is a lack of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis). A yellow- 

 ish discoloration occurs when the liver is deranged (jaundice). 



(4) Examination of the Pulse, Respirations, and Temperature. 

 — An examination of the pulse, re&pirations, and temperature will 

 aid wonderfully in determining the state of health. None but a 

 trained veterinarian can detect the minor variations from the 

 normal. If the changes are marked, any person with a little 

 practice should be able to recognize them. It should be remem- 

 bered that they all vary normally within certain limits with the 

 age and exercise of the animal. 



The pulse varies in health from twenty-eight beats per minute 

 for mature stallions to forty for high-spirited foals. It is taken 

 at the margin of the jaw, where an artery winds around from the 

 inner side. Other arteries are located at the inside of the elbow- 

 joint and under the tail that are superficial enough for taking the 

 pulse. As it is usually impossible to count the number of beats 

 for a full minute, they should be taken for ten seconds at two or 

 three different times, and the average multiplied by six to get the 

 pulse-rate per minute. Variations as to frequency, rhythm, and 

 quality may be noted. Stallions have a slower pulse than mares. 

 The pulse is fast in severe diseases accompanied with fever, in all 

 painful conditions, in excitement, and following severe hemorrhage. 

 A hard pulse is always associated with a serious disorder. 



The respirations may be counted by observing the rise and fall 

 of the flanks, or in winter by watching the steam coming from the 

 nostrils. Normally, the horse breathes from eight to sixteen times 

 per minute. Rapid respirations due to recent exercise or excite- 

 ment should not be confused with disease. A pathologic increase 

 in the number of respirations is spoken of as dyspnea or labored 

 breathing. Nearly every form of lung or chest trouble is accom- 

 panied with accelerated respirations. 



The temperature of the body is measured by inserting a chnical 

 thermometer in the rectum. Every person who has the care of 

 stock should provide himself with one of these instruments, as it is 



