SFLENT, OR SPLINT. 115 



the outer splent-bone, and the pressure is divided between 

 it and the shank-bone. Besides, many smiths who are im- 

 perfectly acquainted with their profession, most absurdly 

 elevate the outer heel of the shoe to a great degree, which 

 throws an additional quantity of the weight of the animal 

 on the inner splent-bone. Severe blows sometimes occasion 

 splents on other portions of the shank-bone. 



During the formation of a splent, the horse is frequently 

 lame, occasioned by the periosteum, or membrane which 

 covers the bone, being stretched to an unnatural degree, and 

 causing great pain to the animal in consequence of the 

 sensitive nature of that membrane. But when it has been 

 so stretched as to accommodate itself to the form of the 

 tumour causing the splent — unless it be in a situation 

 which comes in contact with the tendon — the lameness will 

 disappear ; or a slight inflammation may be induced by the 

 pressure above referred to. 



Properly speaking, in most instances splents cannot be 

 called unsoundness, as it is possible they may not at all 

 interfere with the action of the horse, and in that case they 

 will not depreciate its value. This, of course, depends much 

 upon the situation in which the splents are found. 



Remedies. — When it is noticed that a splent is forming, 

 which generally commences with a tumour, the hair should 

 be shaved off all round it, and a small portion of mercurial 

 ointment rubbed into it for two or three days, and aftpr this 

 a pretty strong blister should be applied. If these do not 

 stop its progress, the cautery is sometimes used ; although 

 we would recommend that this should not be resorted to, 

 except where the splent threatens to be large, and is making 

 evident progress after the above remedies. It often happens 

 that the effects of the mercurial ointment and blister do 

 not manifest themselves at first ; but after some little time 



