44 CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS. 



of that organ, but in many maladies of a general nature, 

 involving internal viscera. An examination of the integument, 

 therefore, is of importance to diagnosis. The skin is examined 

 by inspection and palpation ; in local diseases the microscope 

 is employed. An examination of the skin includes the fol- 

 lowing : 



I. Condition of the hair coat. In horses and cattle in 

 good condition the hair is usually short, fine, glossy, and lies 

 smoothly. Horses running on pasture or kept in unsanitary 

 stables, show a long, lustcrlcss, rough, bristling, hair coat. 

 If the condition of the hair coat is bad, notwithstanding good 

 care and shelter, it may be assumed that the animal is suf- 

 fering from ill health. The appearance of the hair coat is 

 influenced mostly by chronic diseases. Temporarily the hairs 

 may become erect when the animal is carrying increased tem- 

 perature (chill) or from the effects of cold air or water. 



In birds with fever the feathers appear ruffled, especially 

 those of the neck which stand erect. 



In long haired animals the hair coat should lie closely 

 matted and the hairs have the same general direction. A 

 tufting of the wool of sheep is indicative of skin disease 

 (scabies). 



Shedding of the hair. In horses and cattle a par- 

 tial shedding of the hair occurs normally each fall and spring. 

 In the fall the long, soft winter coat appears ; this is shed the 

 following spring. [Animals kept blanketed in warm stables 

 retain a short hair coat throughout the winter.] Good care 

 and proper food hasten the shedding of the hair, contrary con- 

 ditions tend to postpone it. When the winter coat is retained 

 during the summer months, it indicates usually chronic disease 

 of nutrition. 



When horses which have been poorly kept pass into good 

 hands and receive nourishing food and good attention, an 

 unusually early shedding of the winter coat follows. 



