EXAMINATION OF HORSES FOR SOUNDNESS. 
65 
weight of the anterior two-thirds of the trunk at certain times, 
and are very liable to disease, and should we discover sprains 
of the tendons, ligaments or sheaths, or indurations from pre_ 
vious inflammations, we know that sooner or later they will 
give way and the animal will not conform to our definition 
of soundness. 
At the fetlock we will find dilations of tendinous and ar¬ 
ticular bursea. Much will depend on their dimensions, and it 
is always policy to direct the attention of the purchaser to 
them. The region below the fetlock is fraught with many 
defects, and requires the closest scrutiny and judgment, for 
here we find that most serious lesion, ring-bone, the simple 
presence of which requires an unqualified condemnation. 
Here, too, we will find on the inside, marks of old or recent 
interfering, while just above the fetlock on both the inside 
and outside may be found the small cicatrices of neurotomy ; 
or possibly the low operation may have placed the scars be¬ 
low the fetlock. Careful examination of the front foot is one 
of the most essential points in the examination, and it is best 
tested by the hoof-searching forceps for bruises or corns, or 
weak soles; while with the hand we will examine for side- 
bones, and having the foot raised from the ground we note if 
the plantar surface is flat or pumiced ; if the heels are con¬ 
tracted ; if toe or quarter-cracks be present; and our exami¬ 
nation is not complete if we have not looked for thrush or 
canker. All of these diseases or conditions are likely to pro¬ 
duce lameness, and our judgment must be formed according 
to our knowledge of their condition when we are making the 
examination. 
Passing now to the rear in our detailed examination, we 
glance at the general position of the animal. From the hip to 
the thigh on each side, noting variations in the size of the two 
members; the shape of the hocks, and the obliquity of the 
fetlocks. Standing behind the animal, with one hand on each 
hip, looking first at the external angle of the ilium on one side, 
then the other ; noting if they are on a level with each other; 
and at equal distances from the sacrum. Here, too, we may 
find atrophy of the gluteal muscles of one side, not an un- 
