10 THE DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



hands firmly one against each side ; the heart-sounds are 

 distinct on auscultation. The character of the beats can 

 be determined either above the wrist (as is usual in 

 human practice), or inside the elbow, or from the femoral 

 artery inside the thigh. The normal beat of the dog's 

 pulse averages 100 — 120 per minute, but the character as 

 well as number of the beats varies much with the breed.* 



The respirations can best be taken by auscultation or 

 by observation of the movements of the nostril, but they 

 vary so much in health as to afford us really very little 

 guidance. The colour of the mucous membranes gives us 

 the best indications of the state of the circulation ; the 

 state of the skin and nose, also the temperature of the 

 limbs, assist us in our diagnosis. Auscultation is our 

 main guide in testing the respirations and heart's beat. 

 Also we can learn much from the general behaviour of the 

 animal and the state of his ejecta is of value in informing 

 us as to the nature of his diseases. 



The internal temperature has only recently been recog- 

 nised as a valuable guide in canine diagnosis and pro- 

 gnosis ; the thermometer may be inserted inside the cheek, 

 or in the anus, or vulva. The range in normal internal 

 temperature of the dog is 100° — 104° F. 



Prognosis is generally favorable ; it is really wonderful 

 what serious injuries dogs will undergo without fatal 

 effects, and disease makes serious ravages before death 

 ensues, but we must always remember the liability of dogs 

 to sudden death from convulsions. 



Treatment of dogs is a very delicate matter ; the doses 

 to be given are small and require careful adjustment, often 

 frequent repetition. In canine more than veterinary 

 practice "placebos " are required ; the whims and humours 

 of the dog and owner must often be tolerated, and inert 

 agents administered, lest the owner think nothing is being 

 done and be tempted to interfere with the case. There 

 is much scope for zeal and energy of the nurse in superin- 

 tending the numerous details of care of the sick animal. 



* "When a dog pants violently his circulation may be considered as 

 quickened " (Blaine). 



