14 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



splint, and spavin, which should ever be avoided in choosing 

 your breeding stock. 



That disease which is known as '^ splint'''' is of very com- 

 mon occurrence, and yet it is not grave in its consequences 

 when not complicated by other diseases. It is very simple in 



Fig. 4. 



"Eclipse. 



its nature, origin, and treatment; and consists in the grow- 

 ing of the splint-bone on to the cannon-bone by this same 

 morbid process of exostosis, which is usually the result of an 

 external injury. 



The hind and forward limbs are alike subject to this dis- 

 ease. 



" Splint " seldom occasions much lameness, except in its 

 primary stage, when the cushion of fibro-cartilage that is in- 

 terposed between the splint and cannon-bones becomes in- 

 volved in an ossific inflammation. But when these parts 

 are firmly united in bony union, no further pain or lameness 

 will be experienced by the creature. At this stage of the 

 disease treatment of course is useless ; but in the commence- 

 ment give the horse rest and apply cooling lotions to allay 

 the inflammation. 



In a case of long standing, and even in one having a well- 



*Photographed from the plate in Gamgee & Law's Veterinary Anatomy 



