183 
CURB. 
By the term curb, we understand a sprain of the ligament situated at the 
back of the hock joint, which makes its appearance as a swelling, as a rule 
some five inches from the point formed by the bones of this joint, Our 
readers will perhaps be aware, that the hock joint corresponds with the 
-ankle of the human foot ; and that the bone, which forms the projection at 
the back of the joint, is the so-called os calcis or heel bone. Now, it is this. 
ligament which keeps this bone in its place, and extends downwards to be 
fastened to the bones below, which is sprained in curb. 
Of the causes of curb we have not much to say, but may mention that 
it usually results from leaping or galloping, Heredity, it is clear, has 
oftentimes something to do with the predisposition, which some animals have 
to-sprain this ligament of the hock. This, no doubt, is to be attributed to 
the fact that the conformation or build of the bones and ligaments of the 
joint, having more especially a tendency to sprain, is inherited by the 
offspring. In this connection we may add that it has been said that an 
animal with a long heel bone is more liable to contract curb ; and this is 
possibly correct. In any case, the practical conclusion to be drawn 
regarding these facts and probabilities is, that animals which have had curbs 
should not be employed for breeding purposes. 
As our readers are no doubt aware, a curb constitutes unsoundness, 
even though the progression of the animal be not altered. It is therefore 
very important that one should be able to detect the presence of such an 
injury, if it exist. The observer, in examining a horse for curb, should view 
the hocks. at a side glance, from the off as well as the near side, carefully 
scanning it from above downwards. The line from the angle of the hock 
downwards should be straight, and should have no swelling or bulging in its 
course. If there be no swelling nor any alteration in the gait of the animal, 
the absence of curb is proved. One must bear in mind that there are 
sometimes noticed, enlargements of the hock, which are not unfrequently 
mistaken for curb. In such instances, however, on examination, it will be 
found that enlargement does not interfere with the progression of the 
animal; and, moreover, it is sometimes present in an equal degree in both 
limbs. Such a condition of the hock is due to unusual size of the bone 
termed the cuboid, which is situated below the heel bone. Again, sometimes 
an enlargement is apparent when one views the hock from the outer side, 
but is not noticeable when one looks at it from the inner side. Such an 
abnormality is due to a greater development than usual of the structure, termed 
the external splint bone, situated below the cuboid bone. 
Although, however, it thus appears that there may sometimes be some 
uncertainty regarding the presence or absence of curb, decision as a rule is 
by no means difficult. It not unfrequently happens that horses bruise their 
hocks at the usual seat of curb, and thus cause some superficial swelling. 
Advantage is sometimes taken of this fact by unscrupulous dealers, who may 
endeavour to persuade the purchaser that a curb is in reality a mere bruise 
caused by some external injury. 
