CHAPTER VI. 



SPLINT, BONE SPAVIN, SORE SHINS. 



SPLINT. 



By a splint, we understand a bony deposit, formed as the result of 

 inflammatory action, generally on the upper and inner third of the cannon 

 and splint bones of the fore leg. In some instances, the osseous deposit 

 may be formed on the outer side of the leg, and in other cases it may involve 

 the outer as well as the inner side. The bony growth, moreover, may be 

 found midway between the inner and outer aspect, and instances in which 

 splints have been formed on the hind limbs are not very uncommon. In the 

 latter situation, they generally occupy the outer aspect of the canon bone, 

 and very rarely cause lameness. 



There are five classes into which splints may conveniently be divided : — 



Firstly, simple splints. By a simple splint, is meant a deposit of bone, 

 which does not interfere with the tendons and suspensory ligament, and is 

 situated at a distance from the knee. Simple splints, when not impeding the 

 progression of the animal, are not to be regarded as constituting unsoundness. 

 All other kinds of splints, and simple splints when causing lameness, as they 

 sometimes do, in the early stages more especially, constitute unsoundness. 

 It may be mentioned that this variety of splint more often provokes lameness, 

 when seated on the outer side of the leg. 



Secondly, double or pegged splints. Splints are termed pegged, when 

 there are two deposits, one on the inner and one on the outer side, connected 

 through the leg by a bony communication. 



Thirdly, splints situated near the knee. 



Fourthly, two deposits, one above the other, on the same side of the 

 leg. Sometimes there is a bony connection between them. 



Lastly, bony deposits involving not only the splint bones, but a bone of 

 the knee joint also. 



Concussion is the chief cause of splints. Heredity also is a potent 

 factor in predisposing to the formation of these inflammatory deposits. 

 Splints commonly owe their origin to the fact that the animal has been 

 trotted on hard ground, more especially when this has been kept up 

 continuously. Young animals, particularly when first put to Avork and too 

 heavily weighted, frequently develop splints. Our readers will be aware that 

 splints often appear, while the young animals are as yet capering in the 



