DISEASES OF THE BONES. 



755 



■,v 



shown. Running the fingers along the edge of the bone from the 

 knee down, and pressing with the ends of the fingers, inflamma- 

 tion or enlargement will 

 soon be discovered, both 

 by heat and tenderness, 

 and in time by enlarge- 

 ment. 



Treatnfient. — If the in- 

 flammation is up near the 

 joint, it will usually be 

 more serious, and cause 

 more lameness; but as a 

 general thing, splints re- 

 quire but very little treat- 

 ment, and in time will get 

 well themselves if let alone. 

 During the acute stage, 

 treat simply with cooling- 

 applications. Cold water 

 turned for some time from 

 a pump or by other means 

 of letting a steady stream 

 strike the part, which 



should be continued for at least fifteen minutes, and repeated 

 two or three times a day, would be best. If this is not done, 

 then tie several thicknesses of cloth around the part, and keep wet; 

 but this will not be so good as the first method. The following is a 

 favorite remedy for any local inflammation: — 



2 drachms muriate of ammonia. 



2 ounces vinegar. 



2 ounces water. 



4 ounces spirits of wine. Mix. 



The simplest and quickest way of relieving the lameness, and 

 that which is now practiced very generally by veterinary surgeons, 

 is to cut through the periosteum over the part. This is done by 

 catching up the skin between the thumb and finger at the lower 

 edge of the splint, and with a knife or other instrument mak* an 

 incision ia it; then pass up under it a probe-pointed bistoury, or 



Fig. 643.— Splint, and 

 small wind-gall. 



Fig. 643. -a 



splint after 



cure. 



