CH^^TER III. 



THE ^StlJ^CWLES OF ME^ICIJ^E. 



S^ATBOLOGY. 



If the term health e2:pTesae(l a well definecl state, an absolute standard 

 might be fixed. To define disease is equally as difficult. It is an absence, 

 or deflciency of health, simply a transfer of the difficulty of definition. 



If all the tissues and organs of the body are normal, if all the fluids are 

 in no respect abnormal, if all the functions of the organioal structure are 

 completely and harmoniously performed, health undoubtedly exists. But 

 this perfection of health is visionary and never actually exists. An exam- 

 ination of the healthiest would disclose some deviation, some change, and 

 these deviations from the normal are not inconsistent with the evidences 

 of health. Functions of different parts may be disordered to a certain 

 extent, without sufficient disturbance to constitute disease. 



No practical embarrassment can result from this difficulty, to draw the 

 line with precision. Each owner will fix an individu&l standard for his 

 animal. Variations from it will constitute disease. 



In a general way , in a healthy dog, we note as follows : — Eyes bright, the 

 white usually clear, the fine red lines seen at times having no significance, 

 the lining of the lids a pink rose tinge. Nose, cold, moist and slippery, 

 except when the animal sleeps, then often hot and dry. Coat soft, smooth, 

 and in long haired dogs, glossy. Skin soft, easily moulded, and of a gentle 

 heat. Tongrue moist, pink in color, free from coating. Pulse, full and 

 strong, ranging from eighty to one hundred, varying in different breeds 

 and natures. The larger animals have a lower rate than the smaller, the 

 nervous a higher than the less easily excited. Bowels; excretions vary 

 with the food given, in consistency and color. They should be neither 

 hard nor thin, free from undigested matter, and not markedly offensive in 

 odor. Kidneys ; urine, paleyellowish, abundant, freely and easily expelled. 



