CROUP. 



255 



straight. Hence we may accept the conclusion, which 

 is fully borne out in practice, that undue straightness of 

 the upper line of the croup indicates weakness of the part. 

 Also, when a horse is affected by paralysis of the muscles 

 of the loins, the croup will usually assume an abnormally 

 flat appearance, especially when weight is put on the 

 back, which, in this disease, can badly support it. The 



r/wloW [M. H. H. 



Kig. 338. — Mr. Tom Mitchell's Hackney .Stallion, Ganymede. 



slope of the croup (whether it is " goose rumped " or 

 horizontal) will be considered on pp. 308 to 311. 



Anus. — The anus should be prominent, and the 

 tissues around it should be well filled out. It should be 

 firm in appearance and closed when at rest. A hollow, 

 flabby and open condition of the part indicates illness or 

 general debility. 



