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SPLINTS. 



Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated between the 

 inner splint bone and the cannon (large and inner small meta- 

 carpals) at their upper third. 



Causes. — Faulty action or unequal distribution of pressure in 

 the knee may throw an excessive load on the inner small meta- 

 carpal and cause rupture in the psriosteum affixing the small to 

 the large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth of bone. 



Symptoms. — A bony enlargement is found, usually situated on 

 the inner and upper part of the cannon bone, and may or may 

 not be accompanied by lameness. 



Treatment. — If there is lameness give the animal absolute rest, 

 and apply a blister composed as follows: Biniodide of mercury 1 

 dram, cosmoline 5 drams. Repeat in ten days if necessary. 



DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 



Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when the animal is 

 at rest. Distinct symptoms, such as pointing or frequent raising 

 of the affected limb, are noticed. The animal's instinct leads 

 him to place the affected part in a position to relieve the pain. 

 In locating the lame leg, trot the horse with the halter on, leav- 

 ing IJj feet of rope, thus allowing free play to all muscles con- 

 cerned in locomotion, and have him trotted slowly toward and 

 from the observer. 



If lame in one fore leg, the right one for instance, the head will 

 nod more or less when he steps on the left fore leg, while the 

 head jerks up at the moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed 

 upon the ground. 



Hence, the head of the lame animal always nods when the 

 sound leg is planted. Should there be lameness in both fore legs 

 the action is stilty (stiff); the natural, elastic stride is wanting; 

 the steps are shortened, and the feet kept close to the ground. 

 Almost invariably the hind legs are picked up higher than nor- 

 mally; the shoulders appear stiff and the head is carried rather 

 high, while the lumbar region is arched. 



Lameness behind is seen by trotting the horse from the observer, 

 the croup being the essential part to be watched, since it falls or 

 drops with the sound leg and rises with the lame one. 



If lame in both hind legs, the stride is shortened and awkward; 

 the fore legs are kept back of the vertical line, and are apt to be 



