821 
OBSERVATIONS ON “ SOUNDNESS.” 
By R. H. Dyer, M.R.C.V.S., Torquay. 
(Continued from p. 695.) 
Now and then we meet with a horse "which we suspect to 
be labouring under that disease termed by some modern 
nosologists navicularthritis.” It is highly important that 
we diagnose one of three, or even more diseases, or we shall 
most likelv fall in a for a share of odium if we mistake the 
disease which the subject of our examination labours under. 
If, for example, we see a horse resting or pointing his foot, it 
is at once believed by some that the navicular joint is the 
seat of disorganization. A second practitioner will affirm 
that the joint situated above is the part affected; while a 
third will declare it is a chronic case of laminitis; and a 
fourth believes that neither is right, that the pointing is 
referable to a small splint which he discovered situated very 
posteriorly, and that this small bony growth is the sole cause 
of the pointing. We have, no doubt, all been alive to this, 
and have watched its progress. In some horses the symptom 
has been seen for years, during which time they have worked 
hard and well. This, it may be argued, is no proof of the 
healthiness of the navicular joint; nor is it any guarantee 
that the other structures and parts before mentioned are 
respectively the seat of disease; one thing only is certain, 
that the horses have been free from lameness. 
These papers being intended to bring out opinions, &c., as 
to soundness , they must necessarily fall short of interest as a 
work on pathology ; still, they may go some length in adding 
to the stock of knowledge which we already possess. A 
faithful record of cases as we meet with them in practice 
will be of infinite service to all w T ho have only had the oppor¬ 
tunity of practising but fora short time; and it may serve our 
purpose if I relate the particulars of a case which recently 
occurred, bearing upon this particular symptom — point¬ 
ing. Although the case may not deserve great merit, 
it affords an opportunity of knowing how r those persons 
assuming the name of veterinary surgeon without being legally 
qualified to possess it, will sometimes treat those who hold 
the College diploma. 
A few months ago I w f as directed to examine a black 
gelding, the property of a gentleman, for an army officer. 
The horse w T as a hunter. When I went to the box in 
