DISEASE IN GENERAL 203 



virulence or number, especially in both, the appearance of the 

 symptoms of the disease is rapid and their intensity great. In a 

 case of this kind a large quantity of toxin has been produced by the 

 organisms and it rapidly alters the physiologic processes of the 

 animal so that visible effects are soon evident. 



THE DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE 



Diagnosis is the art of determining the nature and location 

 of disease. It is the first step in the effort to restore health, 

 and is very essential in preventing the spread of communicable 

 diseases. Without a correctly made diagnosis it is impossible 

 to prescribe intelligent treatment. Therefore, the importance of 

 ascertaining what ails the animal before proceeding to doctor it 

 must be apparent. 



In order to learn how to diagnose the diseases of animals cor- 

 rectly, one must be familiar with their normal habits, behavior, 

 actions, and the appearance of their skin, mucous membranes, 

 se- and excretions, respirations, etc., so that he will immediately 

 recognize those slight variations from the normal that are the 

 first signs to appear at the onset of disease. Such experience 

 can only be obtained by actually caring for and handling animals. 



Inability to determine the subjective feeling of the patient is 

 not such a handicap as may be supposed, because the objective 

 examination is always possible and no notions, false modesty, 

 vanity, or pride on the part of the patient need be considered. 



Care must be taken not to confuse those changes which occur 

 in the body as a result of external influences with symptoms of 

 disease. To illustrate, if a horse refuses feed it may be due to 

 colic, excitement, or to poor feed. Therefore, we must consider 

 in making a diagnosis the work, food, care, and exercise, which the 

 animal has had. This precaution applies particularly to changes 

 in the pulse, respirations, and temperature. 



The fact that even an experienced veterinary diagnostician 

 frequently finds it necessary to visit a sick animal two or three 

 times before he is able to make an entirely satisfactory diagnosis, 

 is evidence enough that the stockman should not expect to be 

 able to recognize many of the diseases affecting his animals. 

 It further emphasizes the need of expert professional advice to 

 determine just what disease is present, to what extent it has 

 progressed, and what line of treatment should be instituted. 



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