SPLIKT. 311 



movement of the other leg, whilst one in an exactly similar position in 

 another horse may not suffer. 



As a general rule, Splints which are well forward are seldom interfered 

 with, whilst those on the side and those situated more posteriorly are 

 oftener struck. Splints, which are high up near the knee, are in every re- 

 spect in the most objectionable position, both because they are especially 

 apt to be struck by the other leg in action, and because the inflammation 

 arising from such blow or repeated blows is very likely to induce a re- 

 newed growth of the exostosis, which may extend to and implicate the 

 bones of the knee. 



Splints which are situated far back, are liable to interfere with the 

 free motion of the flexor tendons, or of the suspensory ligament. The 

 former case is exceedingly rare, but the latter is not very unfrequent. As 

 a rule, however, hard parts give way to the softer structures, and hence 

 we generally find that tendons and ligaments after a time succeed in 

 making a free and smooth passage for themselves. 



Splints on both sides, exactly opposite to each other, are more liable, 

 as we might expect, than others to interfere with the free motion of the 

 suspensory ligament and occasionally with the flexor tendons. Indepen- 

 dently, however, of such interference, the occurrence of exostosis on both 

 sides indicates great general weakness in the structures of the leg. 



SPEEDY-CUT. An exostosis, not connected either with the interosseous 

 ligaments or with weakness of conformation, is sometimes found on the 

 inside of the leg near the knee (see Plate 25 X) , which arises from repeated 

 blows on the part by the foot of the other leg. The peculiarity of action, 

 which produces this effect, is known as Speedy-cutting. Horses with 

 this defect should not be purchased. They are dangerous to ride, espe- 

 cially at a fast pace. The pain produced by the blow is sometimes exces- 

 sive, and may cause the animal to fall at once on his knees. It is always 

 advisable, when inspecting an animal with a view to purchase, to look 

 carefully for the scar which is produced by speedy-cutting. 



619. Incipient Splints. 



Almost all Splints during their formation produce lameness, both be- 

 cause the new deposit causes pressure on the periosteum, and because the 

 periosteum and the bone itself under inflammation are highly sensitive of 

 any concussion, such as that arising from trotting. The degree of lame- 

 ness is, however, very uncertain, and appears to depend more on the sen- 

 sitiveness of the parts in the particular animal, than on the amount and 

 size of the deposit. In some cases the lameness is scarcely perceptible 

 and of very short duration, whilst in other cases it is very marked. 



6l9a. 



When the lameness is such as would be caused by Splint, it is more 

 than probable that it is so caused, although offering no evidence to sight 

 or touch. Splints may be and often are so placed as to be invisible ; and 

 when fully developed are not sensitive to pressure. In their incipient 



