64 CT.TXTi-AL DIAGNOSTICS. 



The determination of the internal temperature is of great 

 importance in the diagnosis of disease, for each deviation from 

 the normal is to be considered a symptom of considerable 

 moment. In all diseases affecting internal organs, the measur- 

 ing the temperature is imperative. 



Method of examination. Thermometry. Formerly the tem- 

 perature was approximated by laying the hand upon different parts 

 of the body, namely the nose, ears, horns, extremities, or by inserting 

 the fingers into the mouth. Such methods require long practice before 

 a reliable estimate can be obtained, and they are always deceptive. 

 Only in exceptional cases are they now in vogue. The temperature 

 is most accurately measured with a thermometer, graduated in de- 

 grees and tenths of a degree. [Except in America, England and 

 perhaps one other country the Celsius (centigrade) thermometer is 

 in common use. It is graduated into 100 degrees, and these sub- 

 divided into tenths of a degree. In this country the Fahrenheit 

 thermometer is generally used. It is graduated into 212 degrees, 

 each degree being subdivided into fifths. Our preference for this 

 latter instrument is largely traditional, and it is being displaced by the, 

 centigrade, which is now almost universally employed in scientific 

 work. 



The following simple formula will indicate how readily the Cel- 

 sius scale may be converted into the Fahrenheit scale and vice versa: 

 Celsius = 5/9 (F— 32). 

 Fahrenheit = 9/5 C + 32. 



For veterinary practice a maximum thermometer should be used, 

 preferably a tested or compared instrument. The thermometer should 

 be inserted full length into the rectum, which gives the best results, 

 though in exceptional cases the vagina is chosen. 



We should, of course, guard against being kicked by the animal, 

 and exercise care that the instrument does not break and injure the 

 mucous membrane. Before introducing the thermometer, the col- 

 umn of mercury should be shaken down. The use of water, saliva 

 or oil facilitates insertion. We should allow the instrument to re- 

 main in the rectum from three to fi\e minutes. 



In fowls the thermometer may be inserted in the rectum as in 

 other animals, or placed under the wing. 



Taking the bodily temperature once daily is of great 

 value during the course of an internal disease ; in important 

 cases the temperature should be registered twice a day (8 a. m. 

 and 5 p. ii.). After diagnostic inoculations (tuberculin, 

 mallein), especially during the critical period, the temperature 

 should be recorded at least every two hours. Thermometry 

 is of great diagnostic importance during an outbreak of an in- 

 fectious disease, the elevation in temperature being often the 



