FACING DISEASE ON THE FARM 441 
normal pulse beats are from 35 to 40 a minute, and may 
go to 100 in disease. In the cow the pulsations run from 
45 to 50 in health. The pulse relates a very accurate 
story, and with practice can be constantly used in diag- 
nosing the ailment. 
A soft pulse, one that is easily compressed by the finger, may in- 
dicate bronchitis. A hard pulse, one not easily depressed by the 
finger, indicates acute inflammation. A hard pulse may be quick 
and bounding and forceful. An irregular pulse, one that beats fast 
for a time, then slowly, may indicate a weakened heart condition. A 
slow, full pulse, one that comes up gradually to the finger touch, 
may indicate brain trouble. 
3. Taking the temperature—While the heat of the 
body may be surmised by touch and feeling, this is not 
a reliable guide as to temperature. A _ self-registering 
thermometer is the only reliable means for getting this 
desirable information. When the temperature rises, in- 
flammation is indicated. A fall in temperature below 
normal denotes loss of strength, vitality and death. If 
the temperature rises three or four degrees above nor- 
mal, the case is serious, and a rise of five or six is very 
dangerous. Animals seldom survive when the rise 
reaches above 107 or 108 degrees. 
4. Taking the respiration.—In breathing two move- 
ments are observed—the taking in and sending out of 
air. In health, respiration is usually constant, ranging 
from 10 to 14 in horses, and from 15 to 20 in cattle. 
Breathing is faster in young animals. Exercise increases 
the number of respirations to the minute. Any disease 
of the respiratory organs will cause breathing to be 
short, rapid and labored. If the number of respirations 
seem more than normal, a disturbance may be under 
way. If at the same time the pulse runs fast, trouble 
is likely and the cause should be sought at once. 
5. Treatment of disease.—The first effort in treating 
