216 Diseases of the Horse. 



its contents to escape. This is to be followed by warm and 

 soothing fomentations, as hot water containing a tablespoon- 

 ful of laudanum to the pint; later by cold water dressing, 

 and if healing is not prompt a blister should be applied to 

 the part. 



With this, the constitutional treatment should not be neg- 

 lected. A smart purgative is required, followed by small, 

 repeated doses of aconite (tw^enty drops of the tincture of the 

 root three or four times a day), low diet, and the animal 

 kept as quiet as possible. 



In the less severe forms incisions are not called for, and 

 the cold applications may be employed from the outset, suc- 

 ceeded by blisters, if needed. 



SPLINTS OR SPLEKTS. 



These arise from another form of inflammation of the 

 metacarpal bones. They are usually found upon the inner 

 surface of the leg, at the upper third of the bone. They 

 are a bony growth, the result of slight inflammation. 

 Although w^hen single and small they may exist without 

 causing lameness, their presence may be considered a mark 

 of unsoundnesss. 



In regard to their causes, it is said that they are frequent- 

 ly hereditary, and are at other times developed by a long 

 continued moderate gait, from concussions and bruises. 

 Slightly built horses are most subject to them. 



The peculiarities of lameness from splints are: (1) The 

 horse is often quite young (2) A splint-lame horse will 

 show it little or none in his walk, but in a marked manner in 

 his trot, the drop of the head upon the sound side being 

 very great. (3) The knee does not bend readily. (4) The 

 lameness increases the longer he is kept in motion. (5) Ten- 

 derness on firm pressure over the seat of the splint. 



Their presence may usually be recognized by running the 



