LAMENESS IN THE KEGION OF THE METACARPUS. 61 



To examine the leg for splints, it must be picked up and 

 the points of the fingers allowed to glide with gentle 

 pressure over the metacarpal bone, to detect any pain or 

 enlargements ; caye must be taken not to mistake the 

 natural knob-like formation ou the lower end of the small 

 metacarpal bones for a pathological condition. In order to 

 avoid errors it is wise to test the sound leg in the same way 

 and to compare the sensitiveness of the periosteum in both 

 legs. Swelling of the skin in the metacarpal region may 

 confuse, but the lameness is never so marked in this 

 condition as it is in splints. One or two year old racers 

 get, what is commonly termed, "soie shins." This 

 periostitis is characterized by sudden lameness after hard 

 and fast work. The lame leg is favored as much as »:»ossible ; 

 should the other one be diseased at the same time the 

 animal shifts the weight from one leg to the other. 

 There is decided swinging-leg lameness, the leg is raised 

 slowly and imperfectly when moving. Soon a hot, painful 

 swelling appears on the anterior face of the metacarpus of 

 one or both legs. 



