168 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



opposite the flank, apply his left hand to the croup, and with his right 

 seek the inguinal ring, taking care to avoid being injured by the pos- 

 terior member. If the horse is very sensitive, and attempts to rear, 

 bite, or kick, an anterior member or the left posterior should be raised. 

 The manoeuvres are of the same nature, but of an inverse order, when 

 the groin of the opposite side is explored. 



The principal alterations which are observed in this region are enlargements 

 known by the name of glands, which involve the superficial inguinal lymphatic 

 glands, and whose presence often coincides with the existence of a glanderous 

 diathesis. It will be prudent in such a case to examine the corresponding mem- 

 ber, as well as the surface of the body, and, particularly, the course of the 

 lymphatics, to see if no other symptoms of farcy exist, such as cords and buds. 



Inguinal hernia is sometimes observed in the groin, which enlarges the tes- 

 ticular cord and no longer permits the different parts which compose it to roll 

 under the fingers. We will refer to it again when treating of the scrotum. 



CHAPTER V. 



POSTERIOR EXTREMITY. 



A.— The Tail. 



Situation ; Limits ; Anatomical Base. — The tail is a long, 

 flexible appendix, situated at the posterior extremity of the trunk, 

 limited in front by the croup, below by the anus, and laterally by the 

 point of the buttoek. 



This appendage is an ornament to the horse in the same manner as 

 the mane, and is of great utility in protecting him against insects. 



It has for its base the coccygeal vertebrae, as well as the four pairs of coccy- 

 geal muscles, which cover their surface. These muscles endow it with movements 

 of elevation, depression, and lateral inclination ; the skin which covers them, 

 and which is very adherent, is furnished with long hairs over its whole surface, 

 except upon its inferior face and at the level of its base. 



Two divisions are recognized in this region, — the stump and the 

 hairs. 



Attachment and Carriage. — The tail should be strong at its 

 origin, commencing high up on the croup, and be harmoniously sup- 

 ported during locomotion. It is then said to be ivell attached and ivell 

 carried. When it does not present this uniformity of character, it is 



