40 LAMENESS OF THE HORSE 



The matter of temperament cannot be disregarded in diag- 

 nosis, for in some instances, it is the chief determining factor 

 which materially influences the outcome of the case. A nervous, 

 excitable animal, that is kept at hard work, may, under some 

 conditions, be expected to experience disturbances which more 

 lethargic subjects escape. Nervous subjects, it is known, are 

 more prone to azoturia than are those of lymphatic temperament. 

 Furthermore, the lymphatic subject often recovers from cer- 

 tain bone fractures which are successfully treated only when 

 the animal is sufficiently resigned by nature to remain confined 

 in a sling for weeks without resistance. 



The physiognomy of a subject is often indicative of the gravity 

 of its condition. The facial expression of an animal suffering 

 the throes of tetanus, azoturia, or acute synovitis, is readily 

 recognized by the experienced eye, and upon physiognomy alone, 

 in many instances, may the opinions regarding prognosis be 

 based. Particularly is this true where death is a matter of min- 

 utes, or at most is only a few hours distant. 



Due allowance should be made for restiveness nmnifested by 

 some more nervous animals when the surroundings are strange 

 and unusual. In such instances, even pathognomic symptoms 

 may be masked to the extent that little, if any, sign of pain 

 or malaise is evinced. In these cases the subject should be 

 given sufficient time to adjust itself to the new environment, or 

 it should be removed to a more suitable place for examination. 

 Animals quickly detect the note of friendly reassurance in the 

 human voice and can very often be calmed by being spoken to. 



By visual examination one may detect the presence of various 

 swellings or enlargements, such as characterize bruises and 

 strains of tendons where inflammation is acute. Inflammation 

 of the plantar (calcaneocuboid) ligament in curb is readily de- 

 tected when the affected member is viewed in profile. Spavin, 

 ringbone, splints, quittor and many other anomalous conditions 

 may all be observed from certain proper angles. 



The fact that the skins of most animals are pigmented and 

 covered with hair, precludes the easy detection of erythema by 

 visual examination, consequently this indicator of possible in- 



