68 Spavin, Ring-Bone and Splints 



A BLEMISH AND UNSOUNDNESS 



A blemish on a horse is something that, mars the beauty but does not 

 detract from the usefulness of the individual. Such injuries as wire 

 cuts are in this class. An unsoundness detracts from the usefulness of 

 the horse, among these we have defective sight, spavins, etc. 



BONE SPAVIN, RING BONE AND SPLINTS 



Bone Spavin may come either on the inside or outside of the 

 hock joint. 



Ring Bone may come on the pastern bone, above or below it. 

 Splint comes either on the inner or outer surface of the cannon bone. 



These three diseases can well be considered under one head for 

 the following reasons. 



I All are bony enlargements. 



II All make the horse go lame. 



III Thehorse may be made to go sound on any of them. 



IV All are caused by a bruise or inherited weakness. 



V All receive the same medical treatment. 



These diseases are not directly transmitted from parent to off-spring. 

 However, parents lacking size or quality, or proper shape of bone will 

 transmit that characteristic favorable to the development of such diseases 

 Excessive strains while pulling under slippery footing or over loading 

 usually is the direct cause of these diseases. However, ring bone may be 

 caused by a sprain or develop on a horse that has previously received 

 a barb wire cut in the pastern joint. 



TREATMENT 



Give the horse 4 to 6 weeks rest in an open pasture. As soon as 

 the disease is noticed, treatment should begin to prevent further bony 

 enlargement and to enable the horse to go sound. We can not hope to 

 elimenate all of the bony enlargement but we can keep the horse from 

 going lame. The sooner treatment is given the smaller will be the 

 permanent bony enlargement. In mild to moderate cases any of the fol- 

 lowing should accomplish the desired results. Apply to the swelling: 



Red Iodide of Mercury 1 part 



Lard 6 parts 

 Or 



Spanish Fly 1 part 



Lard 6 parts. 



