128 CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. 



to make any positive assertion as to the duration 

 of the complaint. 



Yertigo. 



The term "vertigo" is appHed when a horse is 

 suddenly seized with a fit of dizziness, usually 

 whilst at work. Another term for much the same 

 affection is that known as '' megrims." The animal 

 may be travelHng all right when, without the 

 slightest warning, it is attacked with staggering, 

 probably falling to the ground. These seizures 

 are not unlike apoplectic fits, but there is little, 

 if any, loss of consciousness. The attack may last 

 only a few minutes, the animal regaining the use 

 of its limbs and continuing its journey as though 

 nothing had happened. Any man might dispose 

 of a horse subject to these seizures, and no power 

 on earth could compel him to return the purchase 

 price unless the buyer could prove that the animal 

 had had previous attacks of a similar nature. 

 Anyone unfortunate enough to purchase a horse 

 of this description must, if he wishes to return it, 

 endeavour to find out its previous history and rely 

 upon this to support his case. Needless to say, such 

 an animal is unsafe either to ride or drive, but 

 might do slow, Hght work. There is no knowing 



