DISEASES OF THE FORE-LIMB 153 



34). This blemish is due to an inflammation of the periosteum. 

 It is a very common blemish and is generally located along the 

 splint bones of the forefeet, especially the internal ones. 



Splints are caused by strains and rupture of the ligament 

 that binds the splint bone to the cannon bone. The result is an in- 

 flaimnation of the periosteum. Slipping, or an unbalanced con- 

 dition of the foot, may cause this injury by distributing the 

 weight unequally on the splint bones. Faulty action and bad 

 shoeing may cause the horse to strike and bruise the region. 



Symptoms of lameness are not always present. A high splint 

 involving the articulation between the lower row of carpal, splint 

 and cannon bones may be considered an unsoundness, because of 

 the persistent character of the lameness. The animal may show 

 little or no lameness when walked, but if moved at a trot, espe- 

 cially over a hard roadway, it may show marked lameness. The 

 local inflammation is characterized by a small swelling lying 

 along the splint bone, that feels hot and may pit on pressure. 

 After a time the inflammation disappears and is replaced by a 

 hard, bony enlargement. When this occurs the lameness dis- 

 appears. 



The preventive treatment consists in keeping the feet of 

 young horses in proper balance by frequent trimming and proper 

 shoeing. This attention is very necessary in young colts that 

 are running in pasture. It is very advisable to rest the animal 

 during the period of inflammation. Cold bandages should be 

 applied. As soon as the inflammation has subsided mild counter- 

 irritants and absorbents may be used. In case the lameness 

 persists, more severe counterirritation is indicated. 



Inflammation of the Flexor Tendons of the Digit. — The 

 large tendons posterior to the foot and the suspensory ligament 

 that separates them from the cannon bone frequently become 

 inflamed. Sometimes complete rupture of one or more of these 

 structures occurs. The lighter breeds of horses are the most 

 frequent sufferers. Because of the greater strain thrown on 



