DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



GENERAL EXAMINATION. 



The examination of the sick dog is divided into a general and 

 special one. The former refers to symptoms which involve the 

 whole organism, the latter considers the single organs of the body, 

 the secretions, and the excretions. We proceed either by begin- 

 ning at the head and moving gradually backward, or, if our 

 attention is called by some specially striking symptoms, we may 

 examine at once a certain part or organ or group of organs; this 

 is chiefly in surgical diseases, in which we examine first the in- 

 jured region and afterward direct our attention to the other parts 

 of the body, or to the whole organism, or pass that altogether, 

 according to the general condition of the animal. 



In making a general examination the following points have to 

 be observed: 1. The physical condition. 2. The constitution 

 and nutritive condition. 3. The mucous membranes and the 

 skin. 4. The temperature of the body and the extremities, and 

 the pulse. 



The physical condition presents more rapid and marked changes 

 in the dog than in any other animal. Even in slight indisposi- 

 tions, such as disturbances of the stomach or digestive apparatus, 

 the animal will be downcast, irritable, or nervous, and often 

 show a disinclination to move, or may constantly change from 

 one place to another. Nervousness, a staring look in the eye, 

 great restlessness, constant barking or howling, point to begin- 

 ning congestion of the brain; but these symptoms may be found 

 in other diseases — for instance, in cases of pentastomes in the nose 

 or the cavity of the forehead, or in cases of parasites in the intes- 

 tines, or rabies. Howling is observed in a great many of the vari- 

 ous painful diseases. A tendency to biting or destroying may lead 

 to a suspicion of rat)ies; a hoarse, howling bark, a craving for 



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