DIAGNOSTIC PRINCIPLES 49 



the extent of inflicting, in such manner, unnece^sai-y punishment. 

 Further or conclusive examination is made by palpation. To 

 cause the subject to move, an assistant may simply lead the ani- 

 mal with a halter and compel it to walk a few steps. In this 

 way, lameness, whether manifested during the weight-bearing 

 period of an alfected member, or when such a meud)er is being 

 advanced, or whether a com])ination of the two conditions exists, 

 is made apparent. In the words of Dollar, one is thus enabled 

 to recognize the existence of "supporting-leg-lameness," "swing- 

 ing-leg-lameness" or "mixed lameness." 



^Yhen the cause of lameness is not strikingly apparent it be- 

 comes necessary to have the subject moved farther than a few 

 steps and at different paces. Depending then, upon the charac- 

 ter of lameness manifested, as well as upon its degree of iu- 

 tensity, one needs to exercise the subject in various ways, but 

 this should not be overdone. 



The first thing apparent in the lame subject in action, is the 

 lame leg. If this is not readily determinable, as in some compli- 

 cated cases, the leg or legs which are at fault are to be dis- 

 covered by further examination, and to do this, — word-pictures 

 convey little that is helpful in dif^cult cases, — long practice is 

 the one route by which one may become efficient; that is, by ex- 

 perience gained after fundamental principles in the diagnosis 

 of lameness have been mastered. 



For a careful study of supporting-leg-lameness involving a 

 fore limb, the subject is driven or led toward the one making 

 such examination. If a hind leg is to be observed, the animal 

 is made to travel (nraij from the examiner. Where there exists 

 swinging-leg-lameness, the subject should be caused to movt 

 past the diagnostician, so that he may get a side view of the 

 subject while it is in motion. 



In every case sucli examinations are made to the best ad- 

 vantage if the practitioner can view his patient from a little 

 distance. Here, again, a visual examination is made but this 

 cannot be successfully executed, in difficult cases, if the prac- 

 titioner is stationed at too close range. 



The average subject is liest observed by being led, rather than 

 being ridden, and in so doing the animal should be given moder- 



