256 THE LEG SPLINT. 



:^HE LEG. 



The part of the limb between the knee and the fetlock consists 

 of three bones — a large one before, called the cannon or shank, 

 and two smaller or siMnt bones behind (see N, Fig. 1). 



The smaller bones are placed behind the larger ones on either 

 side. They are united to the larger bone by a ligamentous sub- 

 stance. They reach from' one-half to two-thirds of the length 

 of the shank-bone, and, through their whole extent, are united 

 to it by this substance ; but, from the animal being worked too 

 soon, or too violently, inflammation ensues — bony matter is de- 

 posited in the room of the ligamentous, and a bony union takes 

 place instead of the natural one. There is no doubt that the 

 ease of motion is somewhat lessened by this substitution of bone, 

 but other elastic principles are probably called into more power- 

 ful action, and the value of the horse is not perceptibly impaired, 

 although it is hard to say what secret injury may be done to the 

 neighboring joints, and the cause of which, the lameness not 

 appearing until a distant period, is not suspected. 



In this process, however, mischief does often immediately ex- 

 tend to the neighboring parts. The disposition to deposit bone 

 reaches beyond the space between the larger and smaller bones 

 of the leg, and a tumor, first callous, and afterwards bony, is 

 found, with part of its base resting on the line of union betwe(?n 

 these bones. This is called a 



SPLINT. 



The splint is invariably found on the outside of the small bones 

 and generally on the inside of the leg (c. Fig. 41). The inner 

 bone receives the whole weight transmitted to the small bone of 

 the knee ; and the absurd practice of many smiths of raising the 

 outer heel of the shoe to an extravagant degree, throws still 

 more of the weight of the horse on the inner splint-bone. 



Bony tumors occasionally appear on other parts of the shank 

 bone, being the consequence of violent blows or other external 

 injuries, and are commonly called splints. 



away the plug which we have sought to form. Another method of treat- 

 ment is to apply compresses of bandages and paste, letting them continue 

 on for a length of time, so as to close the joint mechanically. Over these 

 bandages we may apply linseed poultices with advantage, as by so doing 

 we keep down inflammation without washing coagulatefl synovia from the 

 wound. By this means we may succeed even in formidable wounds, if in- 

 flammation has not been previously set up in the joint. It is very desirable 

 that the horse should keep the limb in a straight position ; lying down 

 should therefore be avoided, and it is often necessary to support the ani 

 aial in slings. 



