214 



THE STOCK OWNER S ADVISER. 



one diseased bone to another, binding them together by a band 

 of lymph — ultimately converted into bone — which locks them 

 firmly together, preventing further motion. 



Symptoms. — In examining for spavin, the animal should be 

 made to stand firmly on all four feet. In some cases it is neces- 

 sary to have an assistant hold uj) one fore limb, in order to cause 



the animal to stand 

 squarely and firmly on 

 both hind feet. Stand 

 three or four feet from 

 the shoulder and view the 

 hock; now step to the 

 otber side, occupying the 

 same position and com- 

 pare the hocks; then step 

 directly in front of the 

 horse and look through 

 between the fore legs. Af- 

 ter this take a like view 

 from behind. With an ex- 

 perienced eye, the smallest 

 variation from the normal 

 can be readily detected. 

 Pressure upon the parts 

 may elicit some manifestations of pain or uneasiness, and 

 there, is generally heat present. In the stable, the animal 

 favors the limb, standing with it flexed. If he is made to move 

 from side to side in the stall, he will drop on the affected limb, 

 but on being made to walk or trot he drops on the sound limb. 

 When first brought out after standing all night, especially if 

 the animal has been subjected to a long drive the day before, he 

 will go stiff and lame. If driven a mile, he warms out of it. 

 This is characteristic of joint affection. On trotting, there is a 

 peculiar rising and falling of the croup; the hock is not flexed 



Fig. 56 — An Abnormal Straight Hock. 



