312 CHAPTER 39. 



stage, however, which is accompanied by inflammation of the periosteum 

 or skin of the bone, they will generally show tenderness on pressure, and 

 the lameness will be temporarily increased from the pain so caused. 



620. Fully-formed Splints. 



When the Splint has fully formed, and the irritation and inflammation 

 attending its growth have passed away, the horse will generally again go 

 sound. 



621. Treatment. 



The nature and cause of Splint very clearly indicate the treatment re- 

 quired, namely rest. This powerful sedative may be assisted by the~ 

 application of a cold water bandage round the part affected. A three- 

 quarter shoe is also useful in lessening the concussion and the incidence 

 of weight. Further relief may also be given, if the lameness does not 

 yield to the above treatment, by dividing the periosteum over the 

 newly formed deposit. Leather under the shoe may be useful in 

 diminishing the concussion. And in all cases the animal should be shod 

 in such a way as to allow the frog to come to the ground. 



In most cases these remedies will be sufficient. If, however, after an 

 interval of ten days or a fortnight the horse continues lame, and the seat 

 of the splint under manipulation is very sensitive, it may be advisable to 

 apply a blister or seton. 



Other Veterinary surgeons think that no time should be lost in attack- 

 ing the newly formed exostosis. See par. 608. 



If, on the other hand, the horse instead of being rested is kept at 

 work during the formation of a splint, the inflammation will be greatly 

 increased, and an enormous quantity of bone will in consequence be 

 deposited. 



If the Splint, when fully formed, is interfered with by the other leg, 

 some alterations in the shoeing will often produce avoidance of the protu- 

 berance. The shoe for instance may be kept very close, or underwoven, 

 or the two nails on the inside may be left out, or a three-quarter shoe 

 may be applied according to the requirements of each case. In other 

 cases, an alteration of action sufficient to prevent the evil may be effected 

 by using three-quarter shoes on the outside on both feet. Charlier shoes, 

 if carefully fitted, will occasionally prevent the animal from striking 

 the splint. 



If these and such like remedies fail in producing the desired effect, a 

 boot must be placed over the splint, so as to protect it as far as possible. 

 Some horses, however, notwithstanding this protection, strike and bruise 

 the exostosis to such an extent as to cause frequent temporary lameness. 



622. Sf dints cannot be removed. 



A Splint, when once fully formed into bone, cannot be removed ; but 

 Nature in the course of time, in accordance with her usual rule, absorbs 



