3D0 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



q-uarded ao:ainst. This disease is named roarhu/, from tlie 

 wheezing noise a horse makes when rode fast, particularly when 

 walloj)ed up a hill : it is sometimes so considerable as to be 

 heard at a distance of many yards ; but in walking, or moderate 

 exercise, it can seldom be perceived. The method which dealers 

 usually employ to detect this complaint, at a repository, where 

 no other trial is allowed, is to whip the horse under the belly, 

 and make him turn suddenly, or by making him leap over the 

 bar ; if he is a roarer, this sudden exertion causes him to grunt. 

 But this criterion should never be depended upon when an op- 

 l)ortunity offers of galloping the horse. 



The age of a horse is known by certain marks in the teeth, 

 as described in the preceding chapter. When these are worn 

 out, artificial marks are sometimes made, to make the horse 

 appear younger than he really is. It often hai)pens, also, that 

 some of the sucking, or colt's teeth, are drawn out ; in which 

 case they are soon replaced by horse's, or permanent teeth : this 

 is done with a view to make a horse of three or four years old 

 appear to be five. As experience alone can enable the purchaser 

 to detect these deceptions, it is advisable to have the age of the 

 horse always expressed on the warranty ; he can then awall 

 himself of the first opportunity that offers of obtaining correct 

 information on the subject, and if he has been deceived, will, no 

 doubt, have a right to return the animal. 



I have known persons so cautious when about to purchase a 

 horse, as to examine the neck, and if they find marks of his 

 having been bled often, they suspect, sometimes, justly perhaps, 

 that he has had some serious complaint. They have also thought 

 it necessary to inspect the chest, belly, and thighs, or the parts 

 where rowels are usually placed, and if they observe the marks, 

 which generally remain after rowelling, they sus])ect it was done 

 for a complaint of the eyes when the mark is under the throat, 

 or between the branches of the under jawbone ; and if in other 

 parts, for what they term humours, that is, swelling of the legs, 

 or grease. 



Having finished our examination of the horse, as it relates to 

 soundness, we have to inquire if he has any vicious habits, such 

 as crib-biting, or if he is in any degree restive. 



Crib-biting is a vicious habit, which often causes a horse to 

 l)ecome lean and weak, and sometimes renders him very subject 

 to flatulent colic. It is, therefore, a defect of importance, and 

 a frequent cause of unsoundness. In crib-biting the horse lays 

 hold of the manger with his teeth, and appears to be sucking in 

 air with an almost convulsive effort, and a slight grunting noise. 

 The manner in which this injures a horse has not been satisfac- 

 torily explained, but it is allov/ed by all to be an important 

 defect. It may easily be detected by watching the horse for a 

 short time In the stable. 



