44 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



Where may the pulse be appreciated ? 



Principally, at the lower border of the inferior maxillary bone, 

 along the shin-bones, or on either side of the tail. 



Is there any relation between the pulse-beat and the 

 respiration ? 



In health there is somewhat of a uniformity between the fre- 

 quency of the pulse and the respiratory movements— about three 

 or four pulse-beats to one respiration. This proportion is not con- 

 stant in all animals. 



How many beats per minute are there in the normal 

 pulse ? 



The pulse beats about forty times per minute. Anywhere 

 from thirty-six to forty-two may be normal. The corresponding 

 respirations are ten or twelve to fifteen per minute. 



In man about the same ratio exists, the average number of 

 respirations being eighteen to the seventy-two pulse-beats. 



How should the abnormal pulse be studied ? 



The pulse should be studied as regards its frequency or infre- 

 qnency, its quickness or slowness, its largeness or smallness (volume 

 or strength), and its hardness or softness, as well as its rhythm. 



What is understood by a frequent pulse ? 



A frequent pulse is one in which the number of beats is greater 

 than usual in a given time. 



The frequency has reference to the succession of the pulsations. 



An infrequent pulse is one in which the number of beats is less 

 than usual in a given time. This often suggests brain trouble. 



What is a quick pulse ? 



A quick pulse is one in which each beat occupies less than the 

 usual time, though the whole number, in a given time, may not be 

 much increased. 



The quickness is i ef erable to the time occupied by each beat 

 of the pulse. 



A jerking pulse is a modified quick pulse. 



