252 



of the stall to the other, the tail is suddenly jerked upwards and quivers, 

 while the great muscles of the thighs and quarters assume a rigid 

 condition. On putting the animal back, the hind legs are moved in a 

 stiff straddling manner, the animal backing witli great difficulty. 

 Horses thus affected, when in the stall, always stand stretched out, 

 with the hind legs back, and the point of the toe in the channel. 



596. Stringhalt is known by a sudden, spasmodic clicking up of 

 one or both hind legs. It is, at times, seen when the animal is turned 

 quickly round, or if made to stand perfectly still, and then walked 

 smartly forward, when it is noticed at the first step. It is also exhibited 

 when forcibly backed or excited, but slight cases are difficult to detect, 

 as the clicking action is not always noticeable, the horse only showing 

 the peculiar action at irregular intervals. Cases have been known, 

 where horses have been bred and worked on the farm until they were 

 five or six years old: they have then been "made up," and sold at 

 public auctions without any unsoundness being manifested, but after 

 having been put on rail, and taken out at the end of the journey, they 

 have been found to be confirmed cases of stringhalt or shivers. 

 Whether this is due to fright on being railed for the first time, or from 

 the jerking they get in the horse-box, while shunting at the stations, 

 is questionable ; but it is a matter of great moment to both buyer and 

 seller. It is needless to add that animals affected with these nervous 

 disorders are classed as unsound ; yet, they can work for years, and 

 carry very heavy loads forward, but have very great difficulty in 

 backing. 



597. Dogs also suffer very much from chorea, it being a frequent 

 sequel to distemper (par. 528). In such cases, Fellows' compound 

 syrup of hypo-phosphates can be used with beneficial effect. 



598. Spinitis is inflammation of the spinal cord and its coverings. 

 This may occur in an acute or chronic form, but either is very rare. It 

 may also arise from rheumatic affections, and injury to the backbone 

 from concussion, &c. In the acute form, the animal is suddenly 

 attacked, showing great pain, and perspiring freely. It throws itself 



