334 LAMENESS. 
sustained, and the fear apparently is lest the slightest want of prepara- 
tion should bring the body to the earth. 
The next motion delineated necessitates the greatest care and the 
mightiest exertion. There are several signs which declare such to be 
the case. To advance the two sound 
fore legs is an effort of despair always 
preceded by a pause. During the time 
the feet are from the earth, the entire 
weight, unrelieved by the slightest coun- 
terpoise, must be supported by one sound 
limb. The muscles on that side have 
to raise the trunk, or to perform double 
} labor, for the step invariably is a species 
ibe: of leap. The body has not only to be 
yg BLOOM lifted, but the strain must be maintained 
A HORSE, HAVING sen cae LEG RENDERED to continue or rectify the balance. A 
Te FORE UMS pause of more than ordinary length de- 
clares the magnitude of the approaching 
struggle. The teeth are clinched; the head is thrown backward; a deep 
inspiration is inhaled; the muscles are powerfully excited; and, with a 
spasmodic suddenness, the feet are projected onward. 
The step accomplished, the breath is released in a kind of heavy sigh; 
the animal remains quiescent for a brief space, as though the greatness of 
the late effort had partially deprived it of consciousness. It is, however, 
an exceptional case for a horse of the lighter breed to be thus “hopping 
lame.” In all animals, nevertheless, lameness is a heavy affliction; in 
all, the manner of progressing is characteristic of pain. Suffering, more 
or less intense, is declared every time the injured foot touches the 
ground. 
One fore foot being affected, the head and body drop, or slightly sink, 
whenever the sound member rests upon 
the earth. This peculiarity a little re- 
flection will readily account for. Of 
course tke desire of a lame animal is to 
spare the disabled foot as much. as pos- 
sible. The injured part scarcely touches 
the earth, before, with an effort which 
raises the head and body, it is lifted 
fe IGH UPON THS 90ND Dour cous = again into the air. The least possible 
burden is thrown upon the disabled foot. 
However, the weight must be cast somewhere; and by how much less 
one leg has to carry, so much more must the other support. Conse- 
