METHOD OF EXAMINATION 65 



near fore-leg; on account of stepping shorter with it, 

 than with the off fore. 



If we suspect the existence of spavin, we may take up 

 the foot and bend the hock, retaining it in that position, 

 for about a minute. If, after that, the animal trots quite 

 sound, we may consider that the joint is all right. 



Before putting the horse in, we should try if he backs 

 with freedom and regularity of gait. 



If no lameness be noticed, we may send him back to 

 his stable, and, as a final test, may allow him to stand 

 for a few hours, and, after he has thoroughly cooled 

 down, try him again. If he passes satisfactorily through 

 this second ordeal, we may, as a rule, regard him to be 

 sound in limb. 



In obscure cases of lameness, we may suspect bone 

 disease — such as incipient ringbone — as the cause, if 

 the horse stands level in his stall, but trots very lame 

 on hard ground. 



Lameness improves with exercise, exce^Dt^ as a rule, 

 in cases of splints, ringbones, side-bones, sore shins, 

 corns, chronic laminitis, villitis, and sprains. 



When the animal is lame behind, the disease is, 

 generally, in the hock ; when in front, in the feet of cart- 

 horses, or in the suspensory ligaments of gallopers. 



By the suggestion of my friend Mr. G-. A. Banham, 

 F.K.C.y.S., I have advised that the horse should be 

 tested for lameness, before " looking him over ; " lest the 



F 



