62 MODERN FARRIER. 



35. Splents. 



Symptoms. — This disease commonly appears on 

 the inside of the shank-bone ; sometimes in the 

 middle, and sometimes just below the knee. Fre- 

 quently an enlargement of the bone takes place. It 

 is sometimes situated under a ligament or tendon, 

 and is generally attended by pain and inflammation. 

 Before the excrescences appear that displace a ten- 

 don, the horse will be lame ; but it requires some 

 skill and experience to discover the exact part 

 affected. '' 



Cause. — The splent most generally attacks young 

 horses, especially on the fore legs, and may arise 

 from the legs receiving a violent concussion. 



Cure. — In young colts splents sometimes disap- 

 pear of their own accord; but this result should 

 never be depended upon. The best remedy is blis- 

 tering, which may be composed of — 



Cantherides pulverised, - half an ounce. 



Mixed with sweet oil to the consistence of treacle. 



Cut the hair very close off all around the leg, and I 



rub in the blister with the hand for ten minutes : I 



then tie the horse's head short to the rack, lest he '• 



blister his mouth and blemish his leg by biting it. '\ 



A neck cradle will hinder the horse from reaching ] 



his hind-legs ; but when the fore-legs are affected, it : 



is sometimes necessary to keep him close tied for , 

 two or three days. Next day, dress the part with 



hog's lard, and walk the horse gently about. When ' 



the inflammation arising from the blister has sub- ; 



sided, bandage the part, and turn the horse into a I 



straw-yard if in winter, or to grass if the season per- ^ 



mit. Firing is also an effectual and approved cure ' 

 for the splent. A 



