LESSON FORTY-ONE 
FACING DISEASE ON THE FARM 
1. Physical examination.—Every stockman should be 
familiar with the fundamental principles of health and 
of any departure from them that indicates disease. A 
superficial examination of a sick animal is the first step 
in diagnosing the disease. 
Note the general condition of the body. Is there pain? If pos- 
sible determine this point and locate the seat of it. Is the circula- 
tion natural? An examination of the pulse will tell if the blood 
is racing rapidly or gliding slowly, and whether it is regular or 
rough. Is the respiration as it should be? Make a count to see if 
the breathing is normal. On listening to the lungs, heart and blood 
vessels it can be told if the sounds are natural or unusual. Whether 
or not an organ contains air can be determined by percussion. 
Organs, like the lungs in pneumonia, give a different sound than when 
they are in a healthy condition. Air-containing organs—lungs and 
intestines—may thus be distinguished from the solid ones adjoining 
them. In this way their varying size in health and disease may be 
determined. 
2. Taking the pulse.—Stand at the left side of the horse 
‘ and run the finger along the 
lower jaw until you come to 
the point where the artery 
crosses the jaw on its lower 
edge. This will be found 
about 2 inches forward from 
its angle. Right here is situ- 
Pubes Ano aie HoReH ated the large muscle, and at 
Showing point at which it may be the front edge the pulsations 
Bear may be caught. To get the 
pulse of the cow, stand at the left side, reach over the 
neck and take it from the right jaw. In the horse the 
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