344 THE HORSE 



other. If lame above the hock the hip will generally droop 

 somewhat in action, and the horse swerves slightly from that 

 side, not carrying its body in a straight line, whilst the hock 

 is not raised so high as the other one. 



Acute laminitis is indicated by great heat in the foot, and 

 almost total inability to move. 



Chronic laminitis is shown by loss of the concave form of 

 the sole, by an abnormal degree of heat, by well-marked 

 ridges in the hoof, and by the animal treading as much as 

 possible on his heels. 



Navicular is indicated by the horse standing either with 

 his leg flexed, as already mentioned, or else by stretching 

 out both legs and bearing his weight upon the toes, both 

 heels being raised off the ground. In action he goes chiefly 

 on his toes, with short strides, but gets better with exercise, 

 though he will be worse next day. If of long standing, the 

 inside quarter will be straighter than the other, with small 

 ridges on that side, and the sole will be more concave than 

 natural. A further test may be applied by bending the foot 

 well up, and applying pressure to the heel with the thumb, 

 pressing upon the flexor perforans, which passes over the 

 navicular bone prior to its attachment to the os pedis. 



Lameness from rheumatism in the shoulder may be 

 distinguished from navicular lameness on the horse being 

 put into action ; with rheumatism he only gets worse the 

 longer he is out, but with navicular he gets better as he 

 becomes warm, until he may appear quite sound. Also with 

 rheumatism he walks lame ; but with navicular he may 

 walk sound, and only appear lame when he trots. 



The muscles of the shoulder frequently waste in 

 rheumatism, and remain so for a long period after it has 

 departed, and this is best seen by standing in front of the 

 horse, and comparing both shoulders together. 



After finishing the external examination the eyes should 

 be carefully examined, and for this purpose each must be 

 shaded in turn with something which will not reflect light, 

 such as a black felt hat. Close search must be made for 

 cataract, which is sometimes so small it can scarcely be 

 observed, and appears like a white spot in the lens itself, or 



