CHAPTEE XXIII. 

 EXAMINATION OF A HORSE FOR SOUNDNESS. 



The detection of unsoundness in horses calls for the 

 exercise of the stockman's powers of observation; to 

 render it more easy, a routine method is usually followed 

 by horsemen and veterinarians; especially when one is 

 buying is it well to notice the demeanor of the horse in 

 the stable, method of tying, etc., looking out for neck 

 straps, etc., stand him from side to side in the stall, then 

 have him brought out on to hard ground, have him 

 trotted or galloped and walked straight away and back, so 

 that his wind may be examined, if a heavy horse a pull 

 at a heavy load may be given, notice his way of going 

 and whether he stands and walks squarely. His wind 

 being satisfactory and no lameness having been shown, 

 the examiner can start to make the examination of the 

 mouth, for the age, decayed teeth, signs of cribbing or 

 discharges from the nostrils, may take the pulse, the 

 disposition of the horse will also be noted by the move- 

 ment of the ears, etc. The eyes are then looked at as to 

 whether the animal is blind, minus an eye or suffering 

 from some eye disease at the time; going to the off side 

 feel between the jaws for glandular enlargements, pass 

 the right hand up over the poll, being on the lookout 

 for abscesses (poll evil} there, split ears, etc., coming 

 down the side of the neck be sure to feel under the mane, 

 if on that side; raise the jugular vein, then pass the hand 



