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11. Blindness. — This is sometimes difficult to detect by the 

 ordinary observer by looking at the eyes. In rare cases the 

 eyes may seem natural. A blind horse, however, may be detected 

 by his mode of progression. He will take high steps and often 

 appear afraid to proceed. 



XI. Other Faults and Imperfections. 



The disabilities noticed in the previous sections are those 

 of positive unsoundness, or else of determined vice. Some 

 others that should not be overlooked, are easily examined by 

 careful examination and test. These are : 



1. Glass Eye.— This, if not complicated with specific disease, 

 does not interfere with sight in any respect. It is a serious 

 defect, simply so far as looks are concerned. Usually only one 

 eye has this peculiar white glassy appearance, the pupil perfect, 

 and the iris quite natural. It should affect the price of the ani- 

 mal, only as detracting from elegance. 



2. White Spot. — Sometimes a small white spot will appear 

 on the eye of a young horse, generally after three years of age, 

 and usually near the outer corner. It has a peculiar cloudy 

 appearance, sometimes increasing to the size of a hemp seed, and 

 occasionally larger. The duration is variable, sometimes lasting 

 for years, and again disappearing in a short time. It really 

 impairs the vision but little, if any. Unless its history is known 

 a veterinary surgeon should decide whether it is incipient cata- 

 ract or not. Some veterinarians have termed it spurious cataract, 

 but this is entirely a misnomer. The name white spot describes 

 it perfectly. 



3. Roaring.— This is the result of obstruction in some part 

 of the larynx or trachea, impeding the breath, and causing a 

 peculiar roaring sound when the animal is in motion. It is rarely 

 found in the United States, being chiefly confined to draft horses. 

 It is often the result of chronic cough. In England it is quite 

 common, and when present in a horse of fast work, will render 

 him worthless for the road. It may be discovered by urging the 

 horse to a fast gait. 



