THE HORSE—SIGNS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE, 43 
well to frequently examine the healthy pulse that the finger may become 
accustomed to it. In doing this we should note not only its rate, but the 
characteristics as well, with the conditions surrounding the animal, for the 
characteristics and rate materially depend upon these conditions. In disease 
there are many variations, and a few of the most common will be given. 
When the pulse is quick and strong, from 60 to 120 beats per minute, 
and the artery feels full and not easily compressed, it is an indication of 
fever or some inflammatory disease. 
When it is quick and small, the artery appearing not full, and the pul- 
sations are feeble, it indicates a state of depression or debility, such as is 
found in low, exhausting diseases, as typhoid pneumonia in the latter 
stage. 
When the circulation through the brain is obstructed, the pulse is full 
and strong but slow, sometimes the beats being one-third below the normal 
standard. When this condition exists and the pulse is feeble, it indicates. 
apoplexy or other serious brain disturbances, as paralysis for example. 
Sometimes the pulse is intermittent, losing a beat occasionally; it may 
be the result of some functional disorder of the heart, or permanent and 
point to some organic diseases of this organ. ' 
The compressible pulse is full and plump, a very light pressure will 
detect the pulsation, and if the pressure increase the pulsation ceases; this. 
indicates a weak circulation and is usually the result of congestion. 
The Nervous System.—lf any of the following symptoms are seen, 
affections of the nervous system are indicated, and such diseases should be 
studied under their special divisions:—Defective hearing or sight, or com- 
plete loss of the same, eyes changed in color, general stupidity, loss of use 
in some part of the body, tremors, twitching, convulsive motions, stiffuess,. 
marks of dizziness, perhaps with falls, repeated turnings around, frights 
without cause, enlarged or injured head. If these symptoms are noticed, 
further examination should be made to ascertain especially whether the 
pulse is right, as well as the temperature of the body and the breathing. 
Of course the tongue, mouth and urine should be examined. 
The Digestive System.—Evidences of disorder in the digestive sys- 
tem are these: —The tongue and mouth may be dry, hot, furred or slimy,,. 
or of a bad odor, or may show eruptions or sores; the appetite may fail, or 
be unnatural, as shown by eating poor instead of good food, and licking 
iron, dirt or stones; the thirst may be unusually great; the belly swollen,. 
giving a hollow sound when struck; the dung may be hard, dry, light or 
dark-colored, difficult or infrequent in passage, or too soft and thin, passing 
too frequently or involuntarily, or it may be discharged with apparent fear,, 
may smell disagreeably, or be bloody; the teeth may be decayed or worn. 
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