272 



THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



2. Splints. 



A splint is a bony enlargement on the front leg between 

 the knee and the fetlock or below the hock on the hind leg. 

 It may affect the inside or outside of the leg, but is less 

 frequently found on the outside of the front leg. Any 

 enlargement of bone in the places mentioned comes within 

 the meaning of the term splint. Should both sides of the leg 

 be affected the term, double splint, is applied. 



Causes. — Driving, riding or working colts upon hard, 

 solid footing — pavements of cities, shoes that are too heavy, 

 striking the foot against the opposite leg in traveling, or 

 anything that may cause inflammation between the bone and 

 its covering may cause a splint. The inflammation causes a 

 deposit of bony matter, resulting in enlargement of the part 

 and soreness. Colts that are very fat and heavy on their legs 

 or horses with small, weak legs below the knee are more 

 liable to be affected. 



Symptoms. — A splint is hard to detect until it has 

 developed to some extent, after which there is little difficulty. 

 There is a peculiarity about lame- 

 ness caused by splint which it is 

 well to note carefully. When walk- 

 ing or standing the lameness is not 

 evident, making its appearance only 

 when trotting, at which time it is 

 very noticeable. Notice, too, that 

 a lame horse drops his head when 

 he strikes his weight on the sound 

 leg in order, so far as he can, to 

 favor the lame leg. In any case 

 where lameness is noticed examine 

 the feet carefully to be sure that 

 nothing — a nail, sliver, etc. — is pen- 

 etrating the sensitive portions. 



Treatment. — Proper treatment, 

 generally speaking, is successful. 

 Keep the horse from work as much 

 as possible. If in summer, bathe 

 the leg in cold water containing a 

 little salt, a couple of times a day, 



and after rubbing dry, apply the Leg, Frequently Spoken of as a 



white liniment. Continue this treat- f h p e Hl £ nee 2 - IRSjir 



