8 May, 1907.] Lameness in Horses. 271 



In the case of simple splint the lameness is onlv present during its 

 formation and while the inflammation is active. After the splint has 

 "set" there is no lameness even though the enlargement is Cfjnsiderable ; 

 the splint has by that time become part and parcel of the natural bone. 

 When, however, a splint is so situated as to interfere with the action of a 

 joint, tendon or ligament, or when, from anv cause such as external violence, 

 the inflammation is kept up, the lameness mav remain for an inordinate 

 length of time. 



Treatment. — Rest is an essential feature in the treatment of splints. 

 Without it the cause of the inflammatory action is continued, and efforts 

 towards its subsidence will be futile. Even after lameness has dis- 

 appeared it is inadvisable tO' risk a recurrence of the trouble bv giving the 

 horse work on hard roads, and if a spell at grass can be allowed it is often 

 the wisest course to insure the continuance of soundness. 



During the acute stages of splint formation, if the local pain and 

 swelling are intense, febrile symptoms mav be avoided bv the giving of 

 sloppy food and keeping the bow'els open with an occasional dose of laxa- 

 tive medicine (two to four ounces of Epsom salts in a bran mash). 



Splints that are not causing lameness and those which have " set " {i.e., 

 those in which the inflammation and loose swelling have disappeared and 

 the bony growth hardened) should not be interfered with. While it is 

 possible that the application of a bone absorbent blister may reduce the 

 enlargement and so moderate the unsightliness, it more often happens that 

 such applications re-kindle the inflammation and produce an extension of 

 the mischief. Besides to produce any appreciable absorption of the 

 bony enlargement such blisters require to be severely applied and the 

 chances are that a permanent scar will result and be a much more un- 

 sightlv blemish than the original splint. These observations apply also 

 to the heroic measures frequentlv recommended by the "bush vet.," such as 

 the insertion of setons, local bleeding, lancing, and firing. 



On the other hand, the view cannot be subscribed to that in all cases 

 treatment of splints is useless. It is held by some that in splint forma- 

 tion a definite inflammatorv course is run and that the lameness will dis- 

 appear only when the inflammatorv action ceases. This is quite likely 

 true, but there is no reason why the termination of the inflammation may 

 not be hastened. Bv hand-rubbing or thumb-friction at half-day inter- 

 vals, or by the application of a blister, there is caused a determination of 

 blood to the part by which the functional energy of the bone-forming cells 

 is stimulated and the process of repair or "setting " of the splint is ex- 

 pedited. In other words a short, sharp inflammatorv action is induced in 

 place of a slow, cold inflammation ; and the object to be obtained, viz., the 

 union of the two bones, is effected more quickly and with the formation of 

 less surrounding swelling and less bony enlargement. 



The best blister for splints is the red mercury ointment (one jiart of 

 biniodide of mercury tO' eight of lard or vaseline) because in adilition to 

 its blistering effect it has also an absorbent action, and so while hastening 

 the setting of the splint it tends to the reduction of the bony growth. It 

 should be applied with smart thumb-friction directlv over the seat of the 

 splint at intervals of from three davs to a week according as the blister- 

 scale forms slowly or quickly. The intervals may te lengthened if exces- 

 sive soreness is produced. A strong solution of corrosive sublimate has 

 also a specific reducing effect on bony growths, but its effect on the skin is 

 so severe and the likelihood of its application resulting in blemish so great 



