groups of body organs. A careful study of this group of symptoms enables us
correctly to diagnose disease and inform ourselves as to the progress of
long, severe affections. These symptoms occur in connection with the pulse,
respirations, body temperature, skin and coat, visible mucous membranes,
secretions and excretions, and behavior of the animal.

_The local symptoms_ are confined to a definite part or organ. Swelling,
pain, tenderness and loss of function are common local symptoms. A _direct_
symptom may also be considered under this head because of its direct
relation to the seat of disease. It aids greatly in forming the diagnosis.

Other terms used in describing symptoms of disease are _objective_, which
includes all that can be recognized by the person making the examination;
_indirect_, which are observed at a distance from the seat of the disease;
and _premonitory_, which precede the direct, or characteristic symptoms.
The _subjective_ symptoms include such as are felt and described by the
patient. These symptoms are available from the human patient only.

Pulse.--The character of the intermittent expansion of the arteries, called
the pulse, informs us as to the condition of the heart and blood-vessels.
The frequency of the pulse beat varies in the different species of animals.
The smaller the animal the more frequent the pulse. In young animals the
number of beats per minute is greater than in adults. Excitement or fear,
especially if the animal possesses a nervous temperament, increases the
frequency of the pulse. During, and for a short time after, feeding and
exercise, the pulse rate is higher than when the animal is standing at
rest.

The following table gives the normal rate of the pulse beats per minute: