54 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



Cwrhs. — Curb is a longitudinal swelling at the back of 

 the hind leg, three or four inches below the hock, seen best 

 from the side ; the enlargement is the result of a sudden 

 strain of the ligaments, or inflammation of the sheaths of 

 the tendon. It is attended with a good deal of lameness 

 and swelling at first ; but when that has subsided, and if 

 time has elapsed without a recurrence of the lameness, it is 

 of no more consequence than the unsightly blemish ; but it 

 should be remembered that curby hocks are liable to 

 spavin. 



Thoroughpin is situated above the hock joint, between 

 the flexors of the hock and foot, projecting on each side ; 

 it is of the same nature as windgalls, being an enlarged 

 mucous capsule, and is indicative of severe work or over- 

 exertion. 



Spavin. — Bog-spavin is a swelling situated in front of 

 the hock, towards the inside of the joint ; it is also an 

 enlarged mucous capsule, but deeper seated, over which one 

 of the subcutaneous veins passing, the blood in it becomes 

 obstructed in the return, and thus increases the size of the 

 tumour. 



The shanks should be scrutinised for any symptoms 

 of weakness, and the fetlocks for marks of cutting and 

 windgall. 



The Hind Feet— The front of the hind feet should be 

 examined for fissure ; it is a most serious defect, and 

 generally produces lameness. Notice the way in which he 

 is shod, as it leads to the discovery of lameness and defects 

 in action ; in dealers' stables, however, you will rarely see 

 any peculiarity in shoeing. 



If the toe of the hind foot is found to extend a little over 

 the shoe, it is to prevent " hammer and click " from being 

 audible. If the toes of the hind feet drag, or we find the 

 shoe squared ofi" or worn, we may suspect disease of the 

 hocks ; and if the inside of the shoe is bevelled off, he is 

 probably a " cutter." 



The Spine. — He should now be " backed," to ascertain if 

 he has received any injury of the spine ; if he backs with 

 difficulty, his hind quarters swaying from side to side, 

 and when compelled to retrogade suddenly appears as if 

 about to fall, he has received some injury. Some horses 

 cannot be made to back, but when urged rear on their hind 

 legs. His loins should be searched for marks of setons, or 



