326 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



at him to see how he stands on his legs, and, also, how he 

 holds his head and neck; notice if he stands with his front 

 feet well under him, for this is a good sign ; at the same time 

 see if he is inclined to be weak in the knees and fetlocks 

 Beware of calf-kneed horses, for they are always stumblers ; 

 see that he stands neither too straight nor too crooked on his 

 hind legs. After this take a walk around to the front and see 

 that he has a well formed breast, and that he does not toe in 

 nor toe out too much. Then make an effort as if you 

 intended to strike him with a stick or whip over the side. If 

 he grunts, examine close to see that he is not a roarer. Now 

 give him another good, sharp trot or gallop to see that he 

 carries his front and hind legs nice and straight and that he 

 has good action. Notice, too, whether he carries his tail 

 straight or not. Step up again quickly and place your ear to 

 his nostril to see if he makes any noise, and be sure that he is 

 all right in his wind. As a final test put him in a stable for 

 an hour or two, giving him a pail of water and some feed, for 

 cases of lameness are not shown until he has stood for a 

 while. In an hour or two go into the stall and take him out 

 yourself, watching at the same time how he steps over and 

 how he backs out of the stall for fear of springhalt or corea. 

 Give him a brisk trot again and again test him for lameness 

 and soundness in his wind. 



3. How to Tell the Age by the Teeth. 



During the first year of the foal's life the following 

 changes take place in the teeth : Four centre nippers or front 

 teeth, two above and two below, make their appearance about 

 the ninth day. At nine weeks four more front teeth, called 

 laterals, appear, one on each side of the first two pairs. At 

 nine months of age he gets four more front teeth, called the 

 corner teeth, one on each side of the two pair below, and one 

 on each side of the two pair above. So, at nine months of age 

 the colt has a full mouth of milk, or temporary front teeth. 



At the age of two years no change takes place in the 

 front teeth, so that the general appearance is the only guide. 



At three years of age he sheds the four centre nippers or 

 front teeth, two above and two below, and gets permanent 

 ones. 



At four he sheds the four lateral teeth, two above and 

 two below, and gets permanent teeth in their places. 



