ANATOMY, UNSOUNDNESS, AND AGE OF A HORSE 47 



Fig. 30. — ^Weak and Sickle-Shaped 

 Hocks 



upward ; and for toe cracks — cracks at the toe. (Fig. 28.) 

 Seedy toe. — This is a diseased condition of the wall of 



the hoof at the toe, usually- 

 caused by bad shoeing. 

 Navicular disease. — This 



is due td overworking the 



tendons that pass to the 



navicular bone, and is rather 



common in light and very 



active horses. It is indicated 



by a contracted hoof. The 



affected horse usually points 



his lame foot forward when 



standing. It is a cause of 



chronic lameness. 



Laminitis, or "founder." — 



This is due to a congestion of the blood in the region of 



the toe, and is rather common in heavy horses. It is in- 

 dicated by rings and 

 ridges on the hoof 

 wall, abnormal pro- 

 jections at the toe, 

 convexity at the sole 

 and lameness. 



Bunions or "corns." 

 — These are located 

 in the corner of the 

 heels and are rather 

 common in horses 

 with low, weak heels. 

 Thrush. — This is a 

 diseased condition of 

 the foot in the region 

 of the frog, char- 

 acterized by a foul- 

 smelling discharge from its cleft. 



Fractured hips. — Examine the hips for fractures. Com- 



FiG. 31. — Sound and Unsound Hocks 

 1. Sound hock; 2. Unsound hock. 



