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THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
at him to see how he stands on his legs, and, also, how he 
holds his head and neck ; notice if he stands with his front 
feet well under him, for this is a good sign; at the same time 
see if he is inclined to be weak in the knees and fetlocks. 
Beware of calf-kneed horses, for they are always stumblers; 
see that he stands neither too straight nor too crooked on his 
hind legs. After this take a walk around to the front and see 
that he has a well formed breast, and that he does not toe in 
nor toe out too much. Then make an effort as if you 
intended to strike him with a stick or whip over the side. If 
he grunts, examine close to see that he is not a roarer. Now 
give him another good, sharp trot or gallop to see that he 
carries his front and hind legs nice and straight and that he 
has good action. Notice, too, whether he carries his tail 
straight or not. Step up again quickly and place your ear to 
his nostril to see if he makes any noise, and be sure that he is 
all right in his wind. As a final test put him in a stable for 
an hour or two, giving him a pail of water and some feed, for 
cases of lameness are not shown until he has stood for a 
while. In an hour or two go into the stall and take him out 
yourself, watching at the same time how he steps over and 
how he backs out of thfe stall for fear of springhalt or corea. 
Give him a brisk trot again and again test him for lameness 
and soundness in his wind. 
3. How to Tell the Age by the Teeth. 
During the first year of the foal's life the following 
changes take place in the teeth : Four centre nippers or front 
teeth, two above and two below, make their appearance about 
the ninth day. At nine weeks four more front teeth, called 
laterals, appear, one on each side of the first two pairs. At 
nine months of age he gets four more front teeth, called the 
corner teeth, one on each side of the two pair below, and one 
on each side of the two pair above. So, at nine months of age 
the colt has a full mouth of milk, or temporary front teeth. 
At the age of two years no change takes place in the 
front teeth, so that the general appearance is the only guide. 
At three years of age he sheds the four centre nippers or 
front teeth, two above and two below, and gets permanent 
ones. 
At four he sheds the four lateral teeth, two above and 
two below, and gets permanent teeth in their places. 
