48 THE farmer's veterinarian 



and, in case of geldings scrutinize carefully to see 

 if they be ridgelings. 



While making this examination, if the animal is 

 nervous and fretful, you can help matters along if 

 an assistant holds up a fore leg. Take the same 

 precaution when examining the hind quarters and 

 legs. By doing so, you will avoid being kicked and 

 can run over the parts more quickly and satisfac- 

 torily. 



Before leaving the body observe if the hips are 

 equally developed, and the animal evenly balanced 

 in this region. Both horses and cattle are liable to 

 hip injury, one of the hips being frequently knocked 

 down. Make sure that both are sound and natural. 



Fore Legs and Front Feet. — Now step to the 

 front again for a careful examination of the front 

 legs and feet. Starting with the elbow, examine 

 for capped elbow; now the knee. It should be 

 wide, long, and deep, and at the same time free 

 from any bony enlargements. The knees must 

 stand strong, too. Is the leg straight? Do you 

 observe any tendency of the knee to lean forward 

 out of line, showing or indicating a " knee sprung " 

 condition? Just below the knee, do you find any 

 cuts or bunches or scars due to interference of the 

 other foot in travel? Look here also for splints; 

 follow along with the fingers to see if splints are 

 present — on the inside of the leg. 



Be particular about the cannon. The front should 

 be smooth — you want no bunches or scars. Just 

 above the fetlock feel for wind puffs; and note if 

 about the fetlock and pastern joints there are any 

 indications of either ringbones, bunches, or puffs. 

 Now look for side bones; if present, you will find 

 them just at the top of the hoof. They may be on 

 either side. Sidebones are objectionable, and are 



