8 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY 



on the other hand, the skin becomes dry, often 

 hot to the touch, and it may be the site of erup- 

 tions, and in some places be devoid of hair. In 

 wasting disease, skin ailments and digestive derange- 

 ments the hair feels harsh and dry, is staring in ap- 

 pearance, and is often brittle or easily pulled from 

 the follicles. The condition and color of the visible 

 mucous membranes are often valuable guides to 

 diagnosis, and should always be examined, while 

 the character and amount of any discharge from 

 the eyes and natural openings of the body must 

 on no account be overlooked. 



Having made this general examination of the 

 patient, a more searching and specialized one is 

 next carried out. The information obtained by the 

 general examination will determine what organ or 

 organs it is necessary to examine more closely. 



If the lungs, bronchial tubes ■ or pleurae are sus- 

 pected, the special examination consists of ausculta- 

 tion and percussion to determine what abnormalities, 

 if any, are present. The abdomen should be pal- 

 pated, auscultated to determine the absence or pres- 

 ence of peristalsis, and moderate pressure applied 

 over the abdominal walls to discover any unusual 

 tenderness or tenseness of these walls. The eyes 

 should be carefully scrutinized, and the action of 

 the pupils noted, to learn whether the dilation is 

 equal or unequal. 



The writer cannot urge too strongly that through- 

 out the examination all gentleness and consideration 

 be shown the patient, both for humane and ethical 

 reasons, and because of the fact that success in dog 

 practice depends in no mean degree upon one's 

 ability to "get along" with the mistress of the dog 

 and win the confidence of the pet, both of which 

 are impossible if the dog is handled roughly during 

 the examination. 



