SPLINT. 



509 



is a bony protuberance which is generally situated in the groove 

 existing between the small metacarpal bone a and the cannon 

 bone 5. The artist has endeavoured to shew an enlargement of 



Fig. 31. 



this nature at c. The situation of a 

 Splint, however, varies considerably. 

 Sometimes one presents itself near to 

 the lower extremity of the splint bone ; 

 at other times in the middle of the 

 bone ; and at other times close to the 

 joint of the knee ; and sometimes upon 

 the inner surface of the bones. When 

 present in the latter position, a Splint 

 can only be discovered by holding up 

 the limb and pushing the tendons aside. 

 Splints, when situate near to the supe- 

 rior extremity of the bone a, are far 

 more liable to cause lameness than if 

 situate upon the same bone at c, and 

 when situate behind the tendons the 

 danger from the size of the Splint is, 

 that the action of the tendons may be 

 interrupted. 



Teeatment. — The most speedy and 

 effectual mode of dealing with a SpUnt 

 is to cast the animal ; then make a small 

 opening through the skin, immediately ! 

 below the enlargement, and with a firauur 

 small curved but narrow-bladed knife, passed into the opening 

 and under the skin, the splint is to be cut down upon and com- 

 pletely divided. The patient may then be allowed to rise, and 

 the limb kept cool for a few days, by means of a cold water 

 bandage. 



