LECTURE LII 

 UNSOUNDNESS {Continued) 



Examination. — An examination for soundness should be sys- 

 tematic and thorough, although it may be rapidly done. Ex- 

 amination should be made with a horse in the stall and as he 

 backs out, stands at rest, and moves about. It is usually neces- 

 sary to both see and feel and it is not safe to trust the eyes alone. 

 In the stall examine to see whether the horse cribs, weaves or 

 points, or has any stable habit which is objectionable. As he 

 backs out of the stall, he may show peculiar use of the hind 

 legs or imperfect control due to disorders of the nervous sys- 

 tem. Very frequently the iirst intimation of spavin is given 

 as the horse is made to step from side to side, particularly when 

 he steps toward the spavined leg, or an obscure stringhalt may 

 be detected as the horse backs out of the stall or comes ont of 

 the stable. 



At rest. — Outside the stall the observer should observe the 

 attitude again for a favored limb, dummy, cribber, wind sucker, 

 poor hearing, bad disposition, etc. Beginning in front, examine 

 the ears for hearing, for tumors that may develop at the base, 

 for split ears, etc. 



In examining the eyes it should be borne in mind that periodic 

 ophthalmic (moon blindness) recurs at intervals and leaves 

 the eye more or less nearly normal between times. The eye 

 may show a weakened, or squinting, or hazy appearance that 

 is suggestive. 



The nostrils should be examined for ulcers, scars, or dis- 

 charges which would suggest glanders. Dishonest dealers some- 

 times plug the nostril with sponges to prevent the appearance 

 of suspicious discharge. 



The teeth should be examined for evidences of cribbing shown 

 by the rounding of tlie incisors, for age, and for a condition 

 commonly known as parrot mouth, i.e., overhanging upper teeth, 

 which interferes with pasture feeding. 



The lips should be examined for evidence of paralysis. The 



249 



