SrLENT. 177 



horse, as he is first led out of the stable in the morning. 

 If any lameness remains, which can be ascertained by 

 pressing the parts, it should be removed by hard rubbing, 

 or by giving the horse a wider or more comfortable stall, 

 if that should appear to be the origin of the difficulty. 



SPLENT. 



This is a callous or osseous tumor — growing upon one, 

 or contiguous to one, of the splent bones. 



A splent seldom occasions lameness, except in the pri- 

 mary stage. When the membrane has accommodated it- 

 self to the tumor, the lameness subsides, and altogether 

 disappears, unless the splent be in a situation in which it 

 interferes with the action of some tendon or ligament, or 

 in the immediate neighborhood of a joint. 



Treatment. — The hair should be closely shaved off 

 round the tumor; a little strong mercurial ointment 

 rubbed in for two days ; and this followed by an active 

 blister. If the splent is of recent formation, it will gen- 

 erally yield to this, or to a second blister. 



LAMEXESS. 



Lameness of whatever kind should have prompt atten- 

 tion. However trivial it may appear, it may end in a chronic 

 lameness and perhaps in spavin or ringbone. If ths 

 cause is not clear to the owner, he had better consult one 

 that is skilled, though it may cost a little trouble and 

 money. There are various causes and kinds of lameness. 

 It frequently arises from shoeing, or by picking up some 

 foreign bodies. Removing the cause, will generally be suf- 

 ficient to effect a cure, but if the incision is deep, dress 

 with fir balsam, or mixed soap and sugar. In stifle joint 

 lameness, the symptoms are heat and tenderness, and 

 the limb is advanced with difficulty ; rest, fomentations 

 with infusion of poppy heads, cold water, and sometimes 

 physic, will be the most proper means of cure. For chronic 

 stifle lameness, originating in adhesions, or infiltrations 

 of the surrounding tissues, a few applications of the ace- 

 tate of cantharides will probably eifect a cure. Lame- 

 ness in the hock, from strain, over-work, or blow, is evi- 



