64 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



the best method of treatment is to pyro-puncture the exostosis. By this 

 means the inflammatory process is hastened, with a corresponding 

 acceleration of the completion of the exostosis and diminution of pain. 

 The head of the iron used should be drawn out very gradually to 

 a point, in order that it may be pushed well into the exostosis without 

 necessitating a large cutaneous opening. One such puncture is usually 

 sufficient. 



In treating posterior splints which are situate beneath the suspensory 

 ligament, the animal is cast and the skin incised. Some operators then 

 remove the growth, or as much of it as possible, with bone forceps. It 

 is not very difficult to displace the suspensory ligament sufficiently to 

 enable the operator to pyro-puncture such a splint. 



Neurectomy is another form of treatment employed. (See Chapter 

 on Nerves.) 



SORE SHINS 



This is the term applied to a diffused periostitis with superficial 

 stitis in the metacarpal (or occasionally the metatarsal) region, and as 

 Macqueen points out, the term is synonymous with diffused splint. 



The condition is almost exclusively confined to young racing stock 

 during the first year of training. Occasionally, however, it is found 

 in animals other than race-horses which have been put to hard work 

 whilst immature. 



The affection is attributed to violent galloping before maturity. In 

 such cases great tension is thrown upon the fascia of the forearm, and 

 Dieckerhoff's theory of the causation of splints may readily be accepted 

 in the class under consideration. The appearance of the condition is 

 sudden, and usually immediately after a hard gallop. 



If both limbs are affected the animal is " shifty," and rests on the 

 near and off limbs alternately. In the trot the action is cramped, and 

 confined in front. After a few hours an extensive swelling makes its 



o 



