62 MODERN FARHIER. 



35. Splents. 



Symptoms. — This disease commonly appears on 

 the inside of the shank-bone; sometimes in the 

 middle, and sometimes just below the knee. Fre- 

 quently an enlargement of the bone takes place, li 

 is sometimes situated under a ligament or tendon, 

 and is generally attended by pain and inflammation. 

 Before the excrescences appear that displace a ten- 

 don, the horse will be lame ; but it requires some 

 skill and experience to discover the exact part 

 affected. 



Cause. — The splent most generally attacks young 

 horses, especially pn the fore legs, and may arise 

 from the legs receiving a violent concussion. 



Cure. — In young colts splents sometimes disap- 

 pear of their own accord ; but tliis result should 

 never be depended upon. The best remedy is blis- 

 tering, which may be composed of — 



Cantherides pulverised, - half an ounce. 



Mixed with sweet oil to the consistence of treacle. 

 Cut the hair very close off all round the leg, and 

 rub in the blister witli the hand for ten minutes ; 

 then tie the horse's head short to the rack, lest he 

 bUster his mouth and blemish his leg by biting it. 

 A neck cradle will hinder tlie horse from reaching 

 his hind-legs ; but when the fore-legs are affected, it 

 is sometimes necessary to keep him close tied for 

 two or three days. Next day, dress the part with 

 hog's lard, and walk the horse gently about. When 

 the inflammation arising from the blister has sub- 

 sided, bandage the part, and turn the horse into a 

 straw-yard if in winter, or to grass if the season per- 

 mit. Firing is also an effectual and approved cure 

 for the splent. 



