SPLINTS IN THE HORSE. 861 



surgical wound. Cauterisation is followed by the application of 

 a vesicant. 



Ablation of splints by the use of the gouge or chisel and mallet 

 has been practised since Lafosse's time, but seems a barbarous method 

 of removing a growth which very frequently denotes the need for 

 local increase of substance. It could only be justified where the 

 splint formed a mechanical impediment to movement, as, for 

 instance, when the animal was in the habit of striking it with the 

 opposite foot. 



Reduction of splints is assisted by massage and methodical com- 

 pression. The former can seldom be continued sufficiently long, 

 though, when the necessary assistance is available, the splint may 

 be diminished by rubbing it daily with a firm leather pad or similar 

 object. The treatment must, however, be persevered with for months. 

 A better plan is as follows : — A piece of lead (a leaden bullet, beaten 

 flat) or thick sole-leather is fixed over the exostosis with moderate 

 firmness by a bandage. The pressure thus produced, if continued 

 for some weeks, often brings about considerable diminution in size. 

 Care is needed to avoid causing necrosis of skin, and it is therefore 

 well to change the dressing frequently, where possible daily, and 

 examine the skin. By employing massage, resorption is hastened. 



A peculiar periostitis on the large metacarpus (occasionally on 

 the metatarsas), termed " sore shins," is seen in young race-horses. 

 It always appears suddenly after violent gallops, and is usually 

 confined to the lower half of the bone. The affected limb is rested, 

 or if both limbs suffer, the weight of the body is alternately shifted 

 from one to another. When moving, the leg is not properly lifted, 

 and is extended stiffly ; the horse goes "short." Soon after, a hot, 

 very painful swelling (periostitis) appears on the front of one or other, 

 sometimes of both shin-bones. It usually disappears in a few weeks, 

 though superficial necrosis of the bone has occasionally been 

 observed — perhaps, in consequence of the treatment. The disease 

 occurs almost solely during the first two years of life, is seldom seen 

 during the third and fourth years, and never occurs in old horses. 

 Subcutaneous periosteotomy, formerly recommended, is of very 

 questionable value. Unless performed with strict antiseptic pre- 

 cautions it may lead to suppurative periostitis — a still more dangerous 

 condition than " sore shins." Complete rest, low diet and warm 

 moist applications are usually sufficient in the early stages. Later, 

 a mild blister is useful. 



If pus form, an ample depending opening must be made and 

 the fullest antiseptic precautions taken. Warm antiseptic baths, 



