204 PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 



In the majority of cases the diagnosis of any competent veteri- 

 narian can be relied upon by the owner. In obscure conditions 

 the attending veterinarian will often ask a fellow practitioner in 

 counsel. 



In making a diagnosis it should be understood that nothing is 

 to be taken for granted. All deductions and conclusions must be 

 based on scientific facts that cannot be shaken by prejudice, 

 tradition, or superstition. The examiner should follow a system- 

 atic course and use everything at his command that will throw 

 light upon the physical state and functions of the animal's body. 

 He will use his senses of speech and hearing to collect evidence 

 from the attendant, and his senses of touch, sight and hearing to 

 collect evidence from the patient. Moreover, he will bring to 

 his aid specially designed instruments of precision for the various 

 senses, and even a detailed laboratory examination if the above 

 means have not furnished sufficient information to make the 

 diagnosis complete. 



After questioning the attendant as to the history of the case, 

 the experienced diagnostician does not at once rush up and put his 

 hands on the animal, but first carefully inspects the animal and 

 its surroundings with his eye, to record visible changes in the 

 character of the respirations, the appearance of the se- and 

 excretions, the posture, and the movements. Then he palpates 

 with his fingers to determine the shape, size, and consistency of 

 the superficial and deep-lying organs. Finally he auscultates, 

 by applying his ear to various parts of the body, to detect unusual 

 sounds produced as a result of disease in the internal organs. 



Enough has been said to show that the all-important as well as 

 the most difficult thing about disease is that of finding the real 

 underlying cause. Our powers may often be taxed to the utmost 

 in arriving at a correct diagnosis. In the next few paragraphs is 

 given an outline of the course of procedure to follow in making 

 both a general and special examination. 



The general examination consists in a careful study of the 

 following things, all of which will shed light on the actual state 

 of health: 



(1) Attitude and Behavior of the Animal. — Healthy animals 

 stand or lie quietly, but sick ones assume peculiar attitudes and 

 if suffering severe pain may be restless. For example, in pharyn- 

 gitis or sore throat the head is poked out; very sick animals hold 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



