ISO 



COMMON DISEASES. 



it will generally be found that both hocks are alike. The knees 

 may have similar peculiar development, and yet be perfectly 

 sound. 



Examination. — An examination for soundness should be sys- 

 tematic and thorough, although it may be rapidly done. Examin- 

 ation should be made with a horse in the stall ; as he backs out, 

 stands at rest and in motion. In the stall to see whether the 

 horse cribs or weaves, or has any other stable habit which is ob- 

 jectionable. As the horse backs out of the stall he may show 

 peculiar use of the hind legs or imperfect control, due to serious 

 disorders of the nervous system. Very frequently the first intima- 

 tion of spavin may be had as the horse is made to step from side 

 to side, particularly as he steps toward the spavined leg. 



FIG. 66. SPAVINS. TWO TYPES. (.1/. II. R.) 



I. Spavin with Marked Bony Enlargement. A, Metatarsals; B, tarsals 

 with enlargement and anchylosis. 



II. Blind Spavin. Extensive ulceration of articular surfaces; no enlarge- 

 ment; no anchylosis. 2, Os calcis; 3, scaphoid or large cuneiform'. 



At rest. — With the horse at rest the observer should begin in 

 front and examine the ears for hearing, for tumors that may de- 

 velop around the base, for split ears, etc. 



The eyes should be examined to test the sight, bearing in mind 

 that moon blindness, which recurs at intervals and leaves the eye 

 more or less nearly normal between times, still shows a weakened 

 or squinting appearance that is suggestive. 



The nasal chambers should lie examined for ulcers, scars, 

 or discharged which would suggest possible glanders, bearing in 



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