70 SOUNDNESS IN HORSES. 



which may be observed in other diseases. We may, 

 however, strongly suspect that the horse has been treated 

 for this very serious ailment (whether or not it had 

 existed), if we perceive the mark left by a frog seton. 



We may now run our hand over the back, to find if 

 there are any warbles or sitfasts present. The ribs may 

 be examined for fracture ; the belly, for umbilical and 

 ventral hernia; and the scrotum, for inguinal hernia, 

 and for scirrhous cord in the case of geldings, and of 

 rigs which have had one testicle removed. If the animal 

 is a horse, we should note whether he is an entire, or a rig. 

 We should try the points of the hips to see that they are 

 not broken ; and should look at the croup, pelvis and 

 tail for signs of fracture. I may mention that weakness 

 of the muscles which raise the tail, often indicates injury 

 or disease of the spinal cord. An open and flaccid con- 

 dition of the anus, generally, points to serious digestive 

 derangement. The fact of the horse having been 

 recently docked, should be noted ; as tetanus (lockjaw) 

 may be brought on by this operation. 



We should look at the stifle for signs of treatment for 

 luxation of the patella, and should examine the inside of 

 the leg, between the stifle and hock, where the bone is 

 but thinly covered, for wounds and bruises. We may 

 then look for capped hocks, curb, thoroughpin, bog- 

 spavin, sallenders, bone-spavin, bony deposits on the 

 outside of the hock, and the various ailments to which I 



