A SICKLE-HOCKED OR COW-HOCKED HORSE.
It is now our duty to inform the reader how to examine a horse for spavin. In this operation there are four points of view to be taken—behind the animal, though always at a safe distance from the heels; in the front, but not close to the horse, yet so near that the examiner must bend to view the hocks between the fore legs; and from both the sides. In all these positions, it is prudent now to elongate the distance and now to approach nearer; then to move the head about, and occasionally to step to the right or to the left. In short, it is advisable to get as many different points of sight as possible; for in one, and only in one, may a spavin be detected on the hock, which, seen from any other spot, shall look perfectly clean. At the same time, from every point care should be taken to compare one hock with the other; if the slightest difference in point of size can be detected, it is fair to suppose one is enlarged by the commencement of disease. Any indication of this sort is always to be sought for. The disease may have just begun, but it is impossible to say where it may stop. The spavin may be very small; yet who can assert its growth is perfected? In the examination for spavin, however, allowance should be made for the age of the horse. Spavins, in young horses, may be regarded with alarm; in old animals, they generally are perfected, and, however large they may be, probably they will grow no bigger—on the contrary, as the years increase, they are usually diminished, being absorbed; but the bones, once locked together, are never subsequently unloosed, although all the swelling should entirely disappear.
The examination having been up to this point properly performed, there is yet another test to be adopted before the animal is trotted forth; here a well-trained and attentive groom is of every value—one who will keep on the same side as you may be upon, and who will follow your footsteps whenever you change from right to left. The duty of this groom is to hold up the front leg; the more stress is placed upon his attention, because no horse can kick with the hind foot of that side upon which one fore leg is off the ground. The attempt would deprive the body of all lateral support, and a fall would ensue; whereas many quadrupeds can, for a short time, balance themselves upon two legs, each being on opposite sides of the body: therefore the examiner, probably engrossed in his occupation, would be in considerable danger, should the groom forget to follow his movements.
THE POINTS OF VIEW WHENCE TO LOOK FOR SPAVIN IN A HORSE.
Most horses are averse to having the hocks fingered; such liberties are apt to call up vehement indignation; it is necessary, therefore, to guard him who undertakes to inspect them. This the groom does most effectually; but the examiner should also take some caution—he should stand as close to the foot of the horse as may be convenient. Thus, should the animal kick out, he may escape, or, at most, be very rudely pushed on one side. The horse's kick is only severe after the heels have reached some distance, or have obtained power by propulsion; for that reason is the advice given to stand as near the hind foot as may be convenient.
THE MANNER IN WHICH TO FEEL FOR A
SPAVIN.