716 EXAMINING FOR SOUNDNESS. 



as far as I know, it presents no distinctive symptoms, its pre- 

 sence being generally characterised by " pointing," lameness, 

 and contraction of the heels, all of 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 should now run our hand over the back, to find if there are 

 any warbles or sitfasts present. The ribs should be examined for 

 fracture; the helly, 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. It is well to remember that weakness of the 

 muscles which raise the tail, often indicates injury or disease 

 of the spinal cord. An open and flaccid condition of the anus, 

 generally points to serious digestive derangement. The fact of 

 the horse having been recently docked should be noted. 



We should look at the stifle for signs of treatment for disloca- 

 tion 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 

 hock, curb, thoroughpin, bog-spavin, sallenders, bone-spavin, 

 jarde, and the various ailments to which I have alluded, when 

 describing the examination of the fore limb. While 

 examining the near hind, we should not forget to compare it 

 with the off hind, especially in cases of suspected spavin. Having 

 done with the near hind, we may proceed to the off hind, and 

 then, working forwards, finish at the head. 



' In making the foregoing observations, I have omitted many 

 obvious points which the examiner could not fail to see, when going 

 over the horse. 



EXAMINATION FOR SHIVERING.— (See p. 567). 



FEELING THE FORE LEGS.— The following neat method was 

 taught by Professor Williams to his students at the New Veterinary 

 College, Edinburgh: — Tb feel the near fore, for instance, the 

 examiner, while keeping his knees straight, should run his right 

 hand down the front of the leg with a light and moderately rapid 

 touch. Then, turning round to the right, he should pass his left 

 hand, in like manner, over the structures at the back of the leg. 

 The suspensory ligament, which is more or less in the centre of 

 the leg, as viewed sideways, will be felt in both operations. If 

 only one hand be used, the impressions from the touch will not 



