10 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



The eyes should be examined to test the sight, bearing in mind 

 that moon blindness, which recurs at intervals and leaves the eye 

 more or less normal betv^een times, still shows a weakened or squinting 

 appearance that is suggestive. 



The nasal chambers should be examined for ulcers, scars, or dis- 

 charges which would suggest possible glanders. 



The teeth should be examined for evidence of cribbing, for age, 

 and for a condition commonly known as parrot mouth, which inter- 

 feres with a horse feeding, i.e. overhanging upper jaw teeth. 



The lips should be examined for evidence of paralysis. The glands 

 under, or rather between the portions of the lower jaw should be 

 examined particularly with reference to glanders. 



The poll should be examined for scars or other evidences of present 

 or previous poll-evil. 



The withers should be examined for scars, for discharging sores, 

 and other evidences of fistulous withers. 



The shoulders should be examined for sore neck and particularly 

 so-called collar boils. The latter are either flat and broad or more 

 prominent tumors, which will usually subject a horse to sore shoulders 

 whenever he is put to work. 



While passing along the side and flank the breathing should be 

 observed, as to whether it is even and regular, or jerky, suggesting 

 heaves. The flank and lower part of the abdomen must be examined 

 for possible ruptures. 



Stepping behind the horse, the two hips are compared for evidence 

 of fractures, or what is commonly known as hipped or hipped shot. 

 This disorder does not interfere seriously with the horse's working 

 ability, but gives the horse a very awkward appearance. 



An examination should be made for the following unsoundnesses 

 in the leg: 



Splints : Are found on the inside of the leg, from the knee near which 

 they are frequently found, downward to about the lower third of the 

 principal cannon bone. They are of various dimensions and are readily 

 perceptible both to the eye and to the touch. They vary considerably 

 in size, ranging from that of a large nut downward to very small pro- 

 portions. In searching for them they may be readily detected by the 

 hand if they have attained sufficient development in thein usual situ- 

 ation, but must be distinguished from a small, bony enlargement that 

 may be felt at the lower third of the cannon bone, which is neither 

 a splint nor a pathological formation of any kind, but merely the 

 button-like enlargement at the lower extremity of the small metacarpal 

 or splint bone. 



Ringbones : Extend around the coronary band when on the front 

 of the foot, and even when not very largely developed, assume the 

 form of a diffused convex swelling. If situated on the lower part, 

 it will form a thick ring, encircling that portion of the foot immediately 

 above the hoof; when found on the posterior part, a small, sharp bony 



