RURAL VETERINARY HECRETii 151 



CAPPED KNEES 



splints are buny enlargements on the cannon, which connected 

 of liedding in the stall. In the early stages bathe with hot water and 

 ai)i)ly National Electric Cream twice daily; later use the knife, or the 

 insertion of a seton (a piece of medicated tape) through the enlarge- 

 ment from top to bottom will help reduce the enlargement. 



SPLINTS 



Splints are bony enlargements on the cannon, \\htch connected 

 with the small splint bones and are the result of inflammation caused 

 by concussions. Young horses are very liable, the scrub more so than 

 the pure-bred, owing to the inferior quality of the bone. In order to 

 detect them, although in many cases they are easily seen, the finger and 

 thumb are passed down over the small cannon bone, notice being taken 

 of any variation from the smoothness of those bones. The lameness 

 is due to the stretching of the periosteum (bone covering) during 

 the throwing out of the bony niaterial (splint formation). The 

 lameness quite often disappears when once the splint is formed, and 

 the enlargement may also disappear in the same manner that a cal- 

 lous does. The lameness shown is often out of all proportion to tlic 

 size of the splint; those more serious are close up to the knee joint. 

 Exercise increases the lameness. If no lameness is evident, do not 

 bother the animal with blisters, etc. Always let "well enough" 

 alone. If lame, give rest, reduce any inflammation with cold water, 

 and thoroughly rub the parts firmly but gently, with Elk's Absorb- 

 ing Ointment for 10 to IS minutes once a day for 3 days, then rest 

 two weeks and repeat until relieved. Splints arc more common on 

 the fore legs than on the hind legs and more often on the inner 

 side of the limb. 



