262 SPLINT. 



power of medicine to re-convert the osseous or callous matter of 

 splint into the pristine fibro-cartilaginous tissue. What, however, 

 is commonly understood by the cure of splint, is either the removal 

 of the lameness it occasions, or the diminution or dispersion of the 

 tumour which constitutes it. After all, however, the splint vir- 

 tually remains, inasmuch as the union between the splint and can- 

 non bones is not what it originally was, but for ever after remains 

 bony. 



Supposing inflammation to be present in or about the splint, topical 

 blood-letting, could we any how manage its execution, would no 

 doubt prove beneficial. After which, the best remedy is a counter- 

 irritant to the skin : and nothing surpasses in efficacy a common 

 blister. This however need not, in the generality of cases, be 

 severe enough to blemish or even disturb the hair. The acetum 

 cantharidum is a very good application ; and this may be sponged 

 off with warm water eight or ten hours after being applied, which 

 sponging off ought to be repeated, morning and evening, so long as 

 any discharge continues to issue from the blistered surface. 



Operation may be resorted to, supposing it be an object to get 

 rid of the tumour, either because it occasions cutting or on account 

 of its magnitude. With a fine saw, such as is used for the removal 

 of exostosis in the human subject, the tumour, after being denuded 

 of its periosteal covering, might easily be sawn off. 



Periosteotomy has been extolled by Professor Sewell as every- 

 thing we could desire by way of remedy for splint ; and, doubtless, 

 there do occur cases in which it may be practised with advantage. 

 In the generality of cases, however, it may be said in respect to 

 this, as to the sawing operation, that since relief is obtainable by 

 much simpler, and we might add, safer means too, what need is 

 there of such comparatively formidable measures] However, 

 should any of our readers desire further information on this part 

 of our subject; they will find it in what we have already given 

 under " Remedies for Spavin," in The VETERINARIAN, vol. xix, 

 p. 423-5. 



