220 



ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOOY. 



Examine the back, especially the lumbar region, for evi- 

 dences of kidney trouble. Examine the hip, croup, and stifle. 

 Then pass to the hock. 



Raise the horse's tail, pull it to the off side with the left hand, 

 stoop down slightly, and look at the inner side of the off hock 



Figure 105. — A Study in Conformatk 



from in front of the leg. If there is a protuberance on the lower 

 edge of the hock-joint, inspect it with care for marks of blistering 

 or firing. Feel it; if it is hard, it is probably a spavin, and the 

 horse should not be bought. Look for bog-spavin, and thor- 

 oughpin, capped hocks, and curb. 



Blistering is the process of producing artificial inflammation, 

 by the application of a powerful liniment, to relieve congestion 

 or to hasten bone-deposit. 



