ON LAMENESS. 85 



broiiglit on in that part, and an enlargement of 

 the bone consequently takes place. In this 

 state, the bone (which, when free from disease, 

 is perfectly insensible) becomes extremely irrita- 

 ble, and the pain which the animal experiences 

 from the concussion of the limb when it alights 

 on the ground, is sufficient to occasion lame- 

 ness. 



This sensibility of the bone will continue 

 until the periosteum yields, and adapts itself to 

 the increased substance wdiich is contained 

 within it. 



If the splent is generated under a ligament, 

 or under a tendon, it increases the lameness ; 

 for, by displacing the ligament, or the tendon, 

 from their natural situations, it more or less 

 impedes their functions, until they adapt them- 

 selves to their new direction. Instances have 

 occurred of an absorption of splents, without 

 any external application ; but cases of this kind 

 G 3 are 



