, occupying the bulk of the heart. In point of fact, there are two hearts — the one on the left side propelling the blood through the frame, and the other on the right side conveying it through the pulmonary system; but, united in the manner in which they are, their junction contributes to their mutual strength, and both circulations are carried on at the same time.

The beating of the heart in the dog is best examined behind the elbow on the left side. The hand, applied flat against the ribs, will give the number and character of the pulsations. The pericardium, or outer investing membrane of the heart, is frequently liable to inflammation, milked by a quickened and irregular respiration, and an action of the heart, bounding at an early period of the disease, but becoming scarcely recognisable as the fluid increases. The patient is then beginning gradually to sink. A thickening of the substance of the heart is occasionally suspected, and, on the other hand, an increased capacity of the cavities of the heart; the parietes being considerably thinner, and the frame of the animal emaciated.

[The]

pulse of the greater part of our domestic animals has been calculated by Mr. Vatel, in his excellent work on

Veterinary Pathology

, to be nearly as follows (measuring pulsations per minute):

In theFromTo
horse3238
ox or cow3549
ass4854
sheep7079
goat7276
dog90100
cat110120
rabbit120
guinea-pig140
crow136
duck136
hen140
heron200

The pulse of the dog may be easily ascertained by feeling at the heart or the inside of the knee, and it varies materially, according to the breed, as well as the size of the animal. This is very strikingly the case with some of the sporting dogs, with whom the force as well as the rapidity of the pulse vary materially according to the character and breed of the dog.

There is, occasionally, in the dog as in the human being, an alteration of the quantity, as well as of the quality, of the blood.

Anæmia