EXAMINING THE LEGS. 727 



generally characterised by " pointing," lameness, and contraction 

 of the heels, all of which may be observed in other diseases. It 

 may, however, be strongly suspected that the horse has been treated 

 for this very serious aihnent (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 belly, 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 one testicle removed. If the 

 animal is a horsei, note whether he is an entire, or a rig. Try tlie 

 points of the hips to see that they are not broken ; and 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 

 fa.ct of the horse having been recently docked should be noted. 



Look at the stifle for signs of treatment for dislocation of the 

 patella, and examine the inside of the leg, between the stifle and 

 hook, where the bone is but thinly covered, for wounds and bruises. 

 Then look for capped hock, curb, thoroughpin, bog-spavin, sallen- 

 ders, bone-spavin, jarde, and the various ailments to which I have 

 alluded, when describing the ex;amination of the fore limb. While 

 examining the near hind, do not forget to compare it with the off 

 hind, especially in cases of suspected spavin. Having done with 

 the near hind, 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. .^565). 



FEELING THE FORE LEGS.— The following neat method was 

 taught by Professor Williams to his students at' the New Veterinary 

 College, Edinburgh: — To 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. TJien, 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 

 be conveyed to the mind as distinctly as they would be, were both 

 hands employed. If too much pressure be applied, or the hand be 



