CHAPTER VI. 



EXAMINATION FOR LAMENESS. 



FIND CAUSE OF LAMENESS. 



Among the causes of lameness are weak conformation of bones, mus- 

 cles, etc., tissues being too frail to stand the strain; the fetlock may be 

 too long, causing an extra stram on the tendons; the hock may be too 

 angular, predisposing the animal to curb, or too straight up and down, 

 predisposing to ^pavin; the hoof may show too high a heel, favoring 

 contraction: or too low a heel, favoring corns, puncture, bruises, in- 

 ferior shoeing — that is, fitting a shoe while too hot; having the shoe 

 press upon the sole instead of the walls; overtaxing muscles, tendons 

 and ligaments by pulling a heavy load over rough and muddy roads; 

 constant jerking and blon-s from the wagon pole and harness — all of 

 these are causes of lameness. 



FIND WHERE AND HOW THE HORSE'S LAMENESS AF- 

 FECTS HIM. 



How to discover a horse is lame or where he is lame is not so easy 

 a matter as some may imagine. It is best to observe the animal first 

 standing. If the horse points persistently — that is, places the foot in 

 front of the normal position— the lameness is very apt to be below the 

 fetlock. If the knee is effected it is often kept in a bent condition, while 

 in shoulder and fetlock lameness the toe generally rests upon the ground. 

 After examining the horse standing, allow him to go in a slow trot to 

 and from the observer, holding the halter strap about a foot and a half 

 from the head. 



WATCH THE HORSE'S HEAD AND EARS WHEN IN MOTION. 



Watch carefully the animal's head and ears while he is trotting to- 

 ward you. He will attempt to protect the lame leg by throwing the 

 most of his weight on the sound one, and if the lameness is in front will 

 nod his head when the weight is thrown upon the sound one. 



WATCH HOW HE PROTECTS THE LAME LEG. 



When the animal trots away from you. if the lameness is behind, he 

 will attempt to protect the lame leg by throwing his weight heavier on 

 the sound ore. 



