SOUNDNESS AND UNSOUNDNESS 261 



Splints 



" An exostosis from the lower part of the small 

 metacarpal bone, connecting it by bony union with 

 the large metacarpal bone." 



In a case where the splint does not cause lame- 

 ness, blister ; in advanced cases, fire, blister, and 

 give a run out to grass. It is best and cheapest 

 to consult a vet for splints. A small splint often 

 causes lameness when a larger one does not. 



" Side-bone is a conversion of the lateral car- 

 tilages found on the wings of the coffin-bone into 

 bony material by the deposition of lime-salts." 



RiNG-BoNES 



This is a term given to an abnormal growth or 

 deposit of bone upon the pasterns or lower bones 

 of the leofs. Both these definitions are taken 

 from " Veterinary Counter-Practice," as it is the 

 best one which can well be conceived. The 

 treatment of side-bones and ring-bones is either a 

 blister or deep firing. 



If the owner is wise he will pay cheerfully for 

 a practical "vet," but if in the early stage, and 

 the horse is only apparently strained and knocked 

 up through hard work and concussion, turn the 

 horse out if you can spare him, and you will have 

 most likely prevented a disease which is trouble- 

 some and painful to treat in the advanced stage, 

 for firing is a permanent blemish which no novice 

 can overlook. 



Curbs are the result of spraining a ligament 



