CHAPTER IL 
GENERAL INDICATIONS OF ILL-HEALTH. 
After what has been said about the elephant in health, it will 
be as well before discussing individual diseases to enumerate some 
of the major indications of indisposition commonly displayed : — 
( 1 ) Dulness. — This is probably the first indication likely to 
attract notice and is shown by the cessation of the usual restless 
movements of the trunk, ears, limbs and body so characteristic of 
health, and should at once be detected by any observant attendant. 
This symptom is evinced in most constitutional disturbances espe- 
cially the acute diseases. It is also manifested in many local 
conditions, unless of a trivial character, the detection of which 
should call for an immediate investigation concerning the tempera- 
ture, pulse, respirations and excretions. 
(2) Fever. — Experience has taught me that most of those 
concerned in the care of elephants have not grasped the vast impor- 
tance of taking the body temperature. Owners should insist on 
this being done. Too much stress cannot be laid on this important 
matter and much loss ensues owing to neglect of this precaution. 
A special heat-regulating apparatus maintains the body temperature 
with slight variation at a definite elevation. The production in 
and loss of heat from the body is to all intents and purposes about 
equal. If the temperature rises, and this rise is maintained for 
any time, it shows that this special heat-regulating apparatus 
is disturbed by some disease ; therefore as an aid to diagnosis its 
significance as a symptom is of considerable moment. In an out- 
break of contagious disease the regular use of the thermometer 
will more thaM repay those who take the trouble to avail themselves 
of this great aid ; as one of the very first symptoms is a rise 
in temperature^ the cases can be treated as suspicious, taken in 
hand at once and what is still more important early segregation can 
be enforced thereby, in all probability saving other animals and 
stamping the disease out. It is desirable whenever possible to 
take the temperature regularly at the same hour and to record it 
twice daily, 7 A.M. and 5 P.M. or 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. As a general 
rule the temperature is slightly lower in the morning than in the 
evening. Variations of a few tenths of a degree may normally occur 
in a single day. The temperature of the elephant is normally about 
