DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS. 143 



ness will consequently no longer appear. Veterinarians 

 sometimes perform a simple operation for splints which 

 is said to be efficacious — namely, that of dividing the 

 periosteum with a bistuary, the periosteum being that 

 membrane which encases all bones like a skin. When 

 this is cleverly done, there is little or no disfiguration 

 left. Setons also are sometimes run over the exostosis 

 or bony excrescence, but I deal only with simple reme- 

 dies. As splints cannot be prevented, being a common 

 result of work in young horses, the next best thing to be 

 done is to resolve them while in an incipient state. 



Clap of the Back Sinew — i.e., inflammation of the 

 sheath under which the flexor tendon passes (as the 

 most able practitioners deny that the tendon itself can 

 be stretched, though it is liable to rupture about its 

 insertions) — is best treated, according to some, by cold 

 refrigerant lotions, Goulard lotion, solution of acetate 

 of lead, &c. 



I prefer plain water-dressing (page 160) placed loosely 

 round the affected part of the leg, and the use of a 

 high-heeled shoe (page 82). When the attack is be- 

 yond the reach of such mild treatment, the veterinary 

 surgeon will probably advise blistering and firing to act 

 as a perpetual bandage. 



Moderate work on even surfaces will be the best pre- 

 ventive of this disease, and having the pavement of 

 your stables made nearly level, as described under the 

 head of "Stabling" (page 8). 



Wind-Galh are undue distensions of the bursse or 

 bags of synovia at the back and sides of the lower part 

 of the canon or shin intended to lubricate the adjacent 

 structure. Though unsightly, and no improvement to 

 the action of the horse, they can be reduced by external 



