234 The Care of Animals 



strain or concussion has a tendency to split the splint- 

 bone loose from the cannon-bone. To stop any move- 

 ment that may take place between these two bones, 

 nature throws out an exostosis to weld them together. 

 When this is accomplished, the bones are held firmly 

 in their normal position and the splint is cured. 



When splints are first forming there is usually lame- 

 ness, though not always. The first symptom usually 

 noticed is the appearance of the small bunch on the 

 inside of the fore leg. 



Unless there is a marked lameness or the splint is 

 large, the best treatment for this trouble is to let it 

 alone or to hand -rub thoroughly. The lameness usu- 

 ally disappears, and the bunch becomes absorbed. 

 When there is marked lameness or a large bunch, a 

 light blister rubbed over the part and repeated in three 

 or four weeks is usually sufficient. Tincture of iodine, 

 painted on once daily until the skin becomes sore, and 

 then withheld a few days, is good. When there is 

 much inflammation or a large bunch, puncturing the 

 periosteum, or covering of the bone, wdth a fine -pointed 

 knife will often relieve the pressure and stop the lame- 

 ness. This operation should be performed by a skilled 

 surgeon. 



DISLOCATION OP BONES 



Dislocated bones are commonly said to be "out-.of- 

 joint." This condition is comparatively rare in the lower 

 animals. Dislocations are caused by violence, severe 

 strains, peculiar attitudes and slipping, which produce 

 a partial or complete rupture of the strong ligaments 



