44 



MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



Fig. 24. — Poll Evil 



unsoundness and difficult to cure. Look for scars. 



(Fig. 24.) 

 Impaired vision. — A horse by his action will usually 



betray imperfect eyesight. The ears are exceedingly 



active, as if trying to 

 aid the eyes. The 

 pupils should con- 

 tract in the light. 

 This indicates that 

 the eye is sensitive 

 and functional. 

 Cloudiness or opac- 

 ity denote "moon- 

 blindness" — periodic 

 ophthalmia. 



Defective hearing. 



— Lack of mobility in the ears and active eyes denote 



deafness. The horse is unresponsive when commanded. 

 Discharge from the nostrils. — The lining membrane of 



the nostrils should be healthy, pink in color and free from 



ulcers, or purple 



spots. A profuse, 



foul-smelling and 



colored discharge 



suggests glanders, 



catarrh, distemper, 



and the like. 

 Irregular, decayed 



and broken teeth. — 



Examine for dis- 

 eased, missing or 



projecting molars ; 



broken or over- 

 lapping incisors; "bishoping" (p. 55), and under-shot 



jaws. Broken incisors suggest cribbing. A foul odor 



indicates unsound teeth. 

 Broken crest. — The top of the neck should be examined 



Fio. 25. — Fistula Withers 



