88 ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOOY. 



if the bony tumor marking the union is not so high as to inter- 

 fere with the action of the carpals, or far enough back to inter- 

 fere with the action of the tendons and the suspensory ligaments, 

 no harm results. This is the simple splint (Figure 61). 



A beaded splint is a series of two or more such enlargements, 

 running down the splint-bone. 



If the bony deposit spreads to the back of the cannon-bone 

 and across it to the splint-bone on the other side, it is called a 

 pegged splint. This is its worst form, is incurable, and results 

 in chronic lameness. 



If the bony growth encroaches upon the carpals, or inter- 

 feres with the tendons or ligaments, serious lameness, usually 

 incurable, results. 



In Figure 59 the position of the splint-bone. A, with respect 

 to the knee-bones, the tendons in rear, and the cannon-bone, 

 B, is clearly shown. The tendons, when the horse is in motion, 

 are in constant motion up and down. They are immensely 

 strong, inelastic tissues, covered with delicate membranes that 

 supply the lubricants necessary to permit them to slip easily 

 and freely. 



Any bony growth on the rear of the splint-bonew ill inter- 

 fere with this ease of movement, and the roughness of the bony 

 tumors will lacerate and inflame the sheaths of the tendons. 



If the bony tumor encroaches on the knee-bones, it is seen 

 easily that much damage will result. 



If, however, the union between the bones A and B is effected 

 by a growth between the bones and to the front, there is no 

 moving tissue that is interfered with,and lameness will not result. 



The extremely large splint shown in Figure 61 has appar- 

 ently not inconvenienced the horse in the least. 



A wound on the upper end of the inside splint at A, Figure 

 59, caused by the shoe of the other front foot striking it at high 

 gaits, is called speedy cut. This is a very serious defect. The 

 interference that causes it happens only at high speed; the pain 



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