CHAPTER II.

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 than 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