CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. loi 



hoof, on a line with the coronet, but at the extreme 

 back part of it. In their normal condition these 

 cartilages have an elastic feel when pressed with 

 the thumb, and ought to readily yield to the pressure. 

 But when they are the seat of side-bone, they lose 

 this springy feel. It is an exceedingly common 

 disease amongst cart horses, and the cause of a 

 considerable portion of rejections, when undergoing 

 examination for soundness. Almost all veterin- 

 ary surgeons reject such horses, but frequently 

 advise their chents to purchase, if the feet are sound 

 in other respects and well open at the heels. This 

 remark is only appHcable to cart horses, or others 

 required for slow work. It is reasonable to assume 

 that the seller will make a reduction in the price, 

 considering that the buyer has to take the risk as 

 to whether the animal will continue free from lame- 

 ness. In every case there is a risk, more especially 

 if the animal has to work on granite roads. Road- 

 sters, and van horses, are often affected with side- 

 bone, and if the intending buyer detects this disease 

 he is recommended to avoid purchasing. Some 

 horses with very large side-bones continue to work 

 for years without showing the slightest signs of 

 lameness, whereas others, having the disease but 

 slightly, suffer from either continued or intermittent 



