^.J6 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



Continue this until a free watery discharge is produced from the sur- 

 face. As a general rule this is sufficient, for even though it may not 

 directly disappear, it will gradually do so from this time, unless the 

 tumor interferes materially with the ligaments or tendons. 



If it is laro-e, or near the joint, or extends so as to destroy the motion 

 that naturally exists between the two small bones, cast the horse, and 

 secure him from violent struggling — then scarify the periosteum or 

 membrane covering the bone, over the splint. For this pui-pose, have a 

 small, probe-like knife, shaped like a scimiter, with the cutting edge on 

 the convex side. Make a small opening about an inch below the splint, 

 turn the little probe knife flat and insert it into this opening and urge it 

 forward until the point has passed over the protuberance. Now turn the 

 cutting edge down, and scarify the periosteum well, making several cuts 

 across the splint, and with such force as to reach the naked bone every 

 time. Withdraw the knife and insert a seton needle, with tape fixed as 

 usual ; pass the point up past the splint, send it through the skin, and 

 draw the tape through. Slightly enlarge the upper end of the tape, so 

 that it cannot come out below, and the work is done. Suppuration will 

 ensue in from seven to fourteen days ; absorption will follow, and the 

 splint will almost invariably disappear. 



During treatment the horse should be kept from work, as any consider- 

 able exercise, particularly any straining in harness, or concussion by rapid 

 motion, will increase lameness and render cure more tedious and difficult. 



IX. Sore Shins— Inflammation of the Metacarpal Bones. 



This is an inflammation of the membrane covering the shank bones, 

 and is not confined to any particular classes of horses, though racing or 

 other fast worked horses are more subject to the affection than are draft 

 horses, the difficulty generally occurring before the animal becomes 

 mature. 



Causes. — The cause is undoubtedly over-working and abuse before the 

 bones and integuments become fully developed. 



How to know it. — The lameness resembles that of splint. There is 

 swelling over the shin bone, which is tense as though stretched, elastic, 

 and doughy to the touch. There is heat and tenderness, and sometimes 

 the swelling becomes excessive, and breaks, but always preserves its e\as- 

 tic feeling. Or the swelling may not be extensive, but gradually hardens 

 through the formation of bony matter, until at length the pain disappears. 



In these slight cases, the matter thrown out between the bone and 

 membrane, is generally converted into a bony formation and the skin re- 

 mains permanently thickened. In severe cases the throwing out of 



