HdRSK SENSE. 37 



while backing: out of the stall, to see whether there is dragging of the 

 feet, or other peculiar actions. 



On the floor, have nothing on but a halter. Take a general glance 

 at the animal, noting the position of the extremities, color, size, and 

 general outline. Then proceed to examine, part by part, commencing 

 at the head, not forgetting to compare one side with the other as the 

 examination progresses. Nothing should be overlooked, and when the 

 examination is completed, a definite conclusion is easily arrived at. 



EXAMINATION OF THE HORSE'S HEAD. 



In examining- the head note the shape, the conditions of the bones 

 of the face, the shape and condition of the eyes, the pupils, the ears, 

 the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity (noting the color and looking 

 for ulceration, growths, etc.); then examine the contents of the mouth, 

 the age, shape, size and wearing surfaces of the teeth, and examine the 

 bars for fractures; and then pass to the inter-maxillary space, feeling the 

 pulse, the conditioii of the lower jaw, whether thickened or thinned; 

 examine the glands in this region, then the poll, the throat, the condi- 

 tion of the glands, not forgetting to cause the animal to cough and re- 

 membering the kind of cough; pass along the neck, nots the condition 

 of the mane, the jugular grove, the trachea. 



EXAMINATION FOR FRACTURES, HERNIA, TUMORS, 

 CURBS, SPAVINS, ETC. 



Look over the shoulders for marks of setons, wasting of muscles; 

 the elbows for capped elbow; the knee for fractures, inflammation, etc.; 

 the shin bones for splints; the tendons for their condition; the fetlock 

 for fractures, swellings, scars of neurotomy, etc.; then look for side 

 bones, ring bones, etc.; and finally the general outline of the feet, as 

 regards size, shape, etc., and in particular the toe cracks, quarter cracks, 

 results of laminitis, navicular disease, etc. 



EXAMINATION OF THE HORSE'S BODY. 



Next take the body under observation, remembering to examine both 

 sides; first the withers, looking for marks of setons, swellings, etc.; then 

 the condition of the ribs; test the heart and lungs; look at the abdomen 

 for hernia; the flank, noting the respirations, whether quickened, slow, 

 irregular and the like. 



EXAMINE FROM THE REAR FOR HIP FRACTURES, TAIL, 

 STIFLES, ETC. 



Next stand behind the animal and examine the hips for fractures 

 and swellings; then the hip joints (remembering to compare one side 

 with the other): examine the tail to see if false; look under the tail for 

 tumors; the flank for hernia and tumors; the stifles for swellings, dis- 

 locations; the hocks for spavins, thoroughpins, curbs; then pass down- 

 ward, noting the condition of the parts in the front limbs. 



