DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 289* 



ative veterinaiT surg'ei\v. Among- these are to be reckoned actual 

 cauterization, or the application of tlie fire iron and the operation of 

 periosteotomy. These are frequently indicated in the treatment of 

 splints which have resisted milder means. 



The mode of the development of their growth; their intimacjv 

 greater or less, with both the large and the small cannon bones; the-- 

 possibility of their extending to the back of these bones under the sus- 

 pensory ligament; the dangerous complications which ma}^ follow the- 

 rough handling of the parts, with also a possibility, and indeed a, 

 probability, of their return after removal — these are the consideration* 

 which have influenced our judgment in discarding from our practice? 

 and our approval the method of removal by the saw or the chisel, as- 

 recommended by certain European veterinarians. 



RIXGBONES. 



This term forms the designation of the exostosis which is found ore 

 the coronet and in the digital and phalangeal regions. The name is- 

 appropriate, because the growth extends quite around the coronety 

 Avhich it encircles in the manner of a ring, or perhaps because it oftea 

 forms upon the back of that bone a regular osseous arch, through 

 which the back tendons obtain a passage. The places where these 

 growths are usual W developed have caused their subdivision and classi- 

 fication into three varieties, with the designations of high, middle^ 

 and lou\ though much can not be said as to the importance of suck 

 distinction. It is true that the ringbone or phalangeal exostosis may 

 be found at various points on the foot, in one case forming a large 

 bunch on the upper part and quite close to the fetlock joint; in another 

 around the upper border of the hoof, or perhaps on the extreme front 

 or on the very back of the coronet. The shape in which they com- 

 monly appear is favorable to their easy discovery, their form when 

 near the fetlock usualh^ varying too much from the natural outlines of 

 the part when compared with those of the opposite side to admit of 

 error in the matter. 



A ringbone when on the front of the foot, even when not very 

 largel}' developed, assumes the form of a diffused convex swelling. 

 If situated on the lower part, it will form a thick ring, encircling 

 that portion of the foot immediately above the hoof; when found oa 

 the posterior part, a small, sharp osseous growth somewhat project- 

 ing, sometimes on the inside and sometimes on the outside of the 

 coronet, may comprise the entire manifestation. 



Came. — As with splints, ringbones may result from severe labor in 

 early life, before the process of ossification has been full}^ perfected;, 

 or they may be referred to bruises,' blows, sprains, or other violencei 

 or injuries of tendons, ligaments, or joints ma}^ be among the account- 

 able causes. 



14884—03 19 



