248 THE farmer's veterinarian 



flank incision is then closed by the necessary num- 

 ber of stitches. 



This operation is sometimes performed in mares. 

 But being rather uncommon the process is less 

 understood. In this case it is best to call your veteri- 

 narian or someone in the community well skilled 

 in the operation. In all cases of spaying let severe 

 cleanliness be the rule and practice, from the very 

 beginning to the very end 



SPLINTS. — Splints occur more commonly in the 

 heavier breeds of horses than in those that are light 

 in the bone below the knee. It 

 is rare that splints occur any- 

 where except on the inside of 

 the front cannon bone, although 

 they are sometimes seen on the 

 outside of both the front and 

 hind legs. Any enlargement of the 

 bone occurring on the inside of the 

 leg between the knee and fetlock 

 comes under the name of splint. 

 The usual cause is concussion, that 

 is, the impact of the foot on the 

 hard road. It may be the result of 

 other causes, such as a blow, a 

 twisting strain or faulty conforma- 

 tion. Some animals are more liable 

 to splints than others. It is, after 

 all, to a certain extent, dependent 

 upon heredity. At first the splint is 

 hard to detect. If you notice a 

 young horse going lame while doing 

 road work, it is well to examine for 

 splints. While working there seems 

 to be no lameness at all, and when 

 FLINT standing there seems to be no pain, 



