592 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



logical inference based upon the symptoms and alterations which he 

 presents. In spite of the interest bearing upon this question, we can- 

 not go into details without passing beyond our domain. 



As to the type, a lameness is continued or intermittent. The animal, 

 in the first case, is lame at all times : after rest, during exercise, at the 

 beginning as well as at the termination of the latter. 



The characters of an intermittent lameness are entirely different. 

 It becomes apparent only under special circumstances : sometimes only 

 when leaving the stable, cold lameness ; sometimes at the end of a cer- 

 tain period of exercise, warm lameness. This variety of lameness is 

 included in the list of redhibitory vices and diseases, with nine days 

 of warranty, which is mentioned in Article II. of the law of August 

 2, 1884, where they are designated under the generic name of chronic 

 intermittent lamenesses. 



Fraudulent Methods. Unscrupulous horse-dealers sometimes 

 attempt to deceive purchasers by knowingly oifering for sale a horse 

 which suffers from an intermittent lameness. For this purpose they 

 intentionally make a wound which renders him lame from a simple 

 and apparent cause and for a duration which always exceeds that of 

 the guarantee according to law. We must be on our guard against 

 such malpractice. In general, a lame horse should never be bought 

 unless his price is notably reduced. It is especially in this particular 

 case that it is necessary to consult the veterinarian, in order to be 

 informed as to the gravity of the lesion and the cause of the lameness. 

 If, however, it be determined to buy a lame horse having a recent 

 wound, it is well to require from the seller an appropriate bill of war- 

 ranty, as a matter of precaution in case, the wound having entirely 

 healed, the characters of a chronic intermittent lameness should after- 

 wards manifest themselves. 



