HORSES, JACKS, JENNETS, AND MULES 219 



sometimes cause abscesses or a fistula, and even the destruc- 

 tion of the ends of the bony spine. A depression may thus be 

 formed in the top of the neck or withers. A fistula may appear 

 as a small, hard, swelling on one or both sides of the neck, 

 near the top where the collar is placed. Running sores 

 or swellings in this region should be regarded with suspicion. 



Shoulders. The shoulders should be examined for sweeney 

 or atrophy of the muscles, for tumors, collar boils, and abnor- 

 mal growths. Atrophy of the muscles may be slight wherein 

 some weak, counter-irritant may be used to cause temporary 

 fulness. A well-marked atrophy may be filled with air for 

 the temporary effect of deceiving the eye. The point of 

 the shoulders should be examined for enlargement due to 

 osteoporosis or articular joint disease. 



Feet. The hoof is composed of a hardened sole and frog 

 which should be elastic and tough. The wall is that part of 

 the hoof which is seen when the foot is on the ground. The 

 wall is divided into the toe, side, quarter and heel. The 

 frog is the wedge-shaped soft horn lodged in the angle formed 

 by the bars and the back of the sole. The sole is all that 

 portion viewed when the foot is lifted without including the 

 margin of the wall and frog. These parts are important in 

 the examination. 



The feet should be examined for sand cracks, toe cracks, 

 quarter cracks, and other such conditions. Examination 

 should be made for the parallel rings that mark the effect 

 of laminitis or founder. The presence of calk marks indi- 

 cates restlessness or carelessness with which the animal 

 handles himself. The heel should have good width and be 

 wider at the bottom than at the top. The frog should be full, 

 wedge-shaped, and firm. It is this part which becomes the 

 seat of thrush or canker. The character of the shoe should 

 be noted .for balancing the action and preventing inter- 

 ference. 



Examination in Harness. The horse should be placed in 

 harness and attention given to his behavior while the harness 

 is being fitted. It should be observed whether he kicks, 

 strikes or bites when the girth is tightened. The reins 

 should be taken to determine whether an animal is hard or 



