CHAPTER XXVI. 



CONCERNING THE VETERINARIAN'S CERTIFICATE OF 

 SOUNDNESS. 



I. EXAMINATIONS IN THIS COUNTRY AND IN EUROPE. II. WHAT TUE VETERINA- 

 RIAN SHOULD SEE TO, FOR HIS CLIENT. III. CONDITIONS MODIFYING THE CER- 

 TIFICATE. IV. THE SELLER'S GUARANTEE SHOULD COVER VICES. 



I. Examinations in this Country and in Europe. 



Under what circumstances can a horse be returned to the seller, as un- 

 sound ? This we propose to consider briefly, even though at the risk of 

 a little repetition of directions given elsewhere. In Europe it is quite a 

 common practice to have horses examined for soundness by experts, but 

 in this country, where every man professes to be a horseman, there is 

 much less of it done. Here, if a man gets bitten in making a trade, he 

 usually says nothing, but contents himself with getting satisfaction out 

 of the next one. Still, there are some examinations made for soundness 

 even in this country, and it may be well to state what a veterinarian bases 

 his deci.sion upon, in giving a certificate. 



II. What the Veterinarian should see to, for his Client. 



The age, size, and general appearance of the animal should first be 

 considered ; also, his adaptability to the purposes in view. It is the vet- 

 erinarian's duty to use his influence to prevent his client from buyin^- a 

 draft horse for his carriage, or vice versa; m fact, he should consult not 

 only his client's needs, but his wishes and tastes as well, and should see 

 that these are met as fully as possible. 



In making the detailed examination, he should see that the mouth and 

 toKgue are all right, no poll evil, no running at the nose, no cough, fistu- 

 lous withers, nor anything wrong with the head or shoulders. He should 

 see that the fore legs are free from bony deposits, and the feet from 

 corns, sidebones, contraction, etc. ; that there are no ruptures on any part 

 of the belly or scrotum, no broken hips, nor broken tail. He should 

 carefully note whether the hmd legs are free from bony deposits, capped 

 hocks, and spavins of all kinds, and make sure that there is no thicken- 

 ing of any of the tendons of either the fore or hind legs, nor yet any 

 windgalls or curbs. 



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