EXAMINATION FOR SOUNDNESS. 
47 
work as a sound horse ; fifths that nothing must exist that tends 
to depreciate the value of the animal as compared to a sound 
horse ; sixths that we, as veterinarians, ought to examine care¬ 
fully and conscientiously, taking into consideration the class of 
horse (whether a smooth-limbed, well-bred animal, or whether a 
common-bred rough and big-boned 'animal), as well as the kind 
of work the horse will have to do ; seventh^ that we, as veterina¬ 
rians, have our reputations at stake; eighth^ that we must do 
our duty to the buyer, who employs us; ninths that we 
should not be prejudiced against the seller ; tenths that acting 
fairly for ourselves, we do our duty to all concerned. 
How are we to proceed to examine the animal ? 
We must bear in mind that a horse may be temporarily un¬ 
sound and permanently unsound. Temporary unsoundness may 
include certain diseases, of which, after the animal has recovered, 
little or no trace remains ; it also includes certain forms of lame¬ 
ness, as interfering, slight sprains, etc., which subside in a short 
while. In our examinations we should look for disease, mal¬ 
formations, etc., and not for soundness. 
The horse to be examined should be seen, firsts at rest, in and 
out of the stall; second^ in motion,both when warmed up and when 
cooled off (that is, examined in motion while hot and also when 
cold). While at rest, in the stall, we may ascertain how the an¬ 
imal feeds, if he cribs, sucks wind, weaves, his position of stand¬ 
ing, etc. ; when backing out of the stall, the movements, whether 
there is dragging of the feet, or other peculiar actions. On the 
floor, have the animal naked (nothing on but a halter). Now 
take a general glance at the animal, noting the position of the 
extremities, the color, size and general outline. Then proceed 
to examine part by part, commencing at the head and not for¬ 
getting to compare one side with the other as you go along. In 
examining the head, note the shape, the conditions of the bones 
of the face, the shape and condition of the eyes, the pupils, the 
ears, the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity (looking at the 
color, for ulceration, growths, etc.); then examine the contents 
of the mouth, the age, the shape, size and wearing surfaces of 
