FORMS OF UNSOUNDNESS. 105 



CHAPTER XXI. 



FORMS or UNSOUNDNESS. 



The forms of unsoundness wliicli affect horses may be divided 

 into three classes, viz., (1) unsoundness of wind, (2) of eyesight, 

 and (3) of limb. The forms of unsoundness of Avind are roar- 

 ing, whistling, and broken wind. 



'-Roaring" is generally caused by paralysis of one or 

 of both muscles which open the larynx, and is incurable. The 

 fact of a horse being a roarer is evidenced by its making a 

 characteristic sound, called " roaring, ' ' when the animal under- 

 goes exertion, either by moving at a fast pace or by having to 

 draw a heavy load. In some cases, the unsoundness is not 

 nearly so much developed as in others; it usually gets worse 

 with age. Ponies are rarely affected by this form of unsound- 

 ness. To find out whether a horse is a roarer or not, its wind 

 must be tested ; in tlie case of light horses, this is done by 

 galloping them or by driving them at a fast trot, if possible up 

 a hill. The wind of heavy horses is tested by making them 

 draw a heavy load up an incline. Having subjected the horse 

 to sufficient exertion, the breathing should be listened to by 

 standing near the animal's head. If the horse is " touched in 

 liis wind " the characteristic sound of " roaring " can readily 

 be heard. Frequently, the plan of '* coughing ""^ a horse is 



* " Coughing " a horse consists in compressing the larynx with the 

 fingers for a few seconds. If the horse coughs after this the animal is 

 supposed to be sound in its wind as regards roaring. If the horse 

 fails to cough on the larynx being compressed, it is assumed that this 

 fact is evidence of its being a roarer. The coughing test is not a satis- 

 factory one, and by no means reliable. 



