EXAMINING THE MOUTH. 713 



EXAMINATION OF THE NOSTRILS.— We require to open 

 each nostril in order to examine the nasal passages, and to see 

 that the mucous membrane shows the pink hue of health. No 

 mistake should be made about the accidental presence of dust 

 in the nostrils, which should be examined for ulcers, scars, polypi, 

 irregularity in the calibre of the passages, and for the existence 

 of any discharge. To open, say, the off one, hold the lower lip 

 with the left hand, place the thumb and forefinger inside the 

 nostril, and enlarge the opening by drawing them apart. The 

 orifice of the lachrymal canal should be in a natural condition. 

 It is found on the lower part of the nostril " near the point where 

 there is a line of demarcation between the dark colour of the skin, 

 and the rosy tint of the mucous membrane" (Lecoq). The false 

 nostrils should be thin, pliable, and free from any thickening, 

 injury, or results of injuries. 



EXAMINATION OF THE MOUTH.— Open the horse's mouth 

 and ascertain his age (see Chapter XXXII. ). Observe that the 

 teeth are regular ; the tongue and lips in good working order ; the 

 mucous membrane of the mouth in a healthy state ; and the breath, 

 sweet smelling. A good way to open the mouth is as follows : 

 While standing alongside the horse's near shoulder, catch 

 hold of the head-collar or bridle (as the case may be) with the 

 right hand ; place the flat of the left hand on the animal's nose, 

 clear of the nostrils; let go the head-collar or bridle; and seize 

 the lower lip with the right hand. Then slip the left thumb down 

 to the near comer of the mouth, and lift up with it the upper lip, 

 so as to be able to take an external view of the incisors. The hold 

 we have thus got of the lower lip will act as a fairly effective twitch, 

 which we should use with discretion. To look at the tables of the 

 incisors, we draw the tongue out with the right hand, placing it 

 for preference between the third and fourth fingers. 



Fourth Stage. 



Examine the horse according to the directions in Chapter I., 

 to see if he is lame. If he passes the ordeal at the trot, we 

 may, while putting him to severe exertion, observe the state of 

 his wind (pp. 387, 388 and 389). A certificate of soundness 

 should on no account be given, as far as the wind is concerned, 

 from the mere fact of the horse going through the grunting test 

 successfully. 



The horse should be tested for lameness, before " looking him 

 over," lest the observation of any defect might bias our judgment 

 as to the evenness of the animal's action. 



