COMMON AILMENTS NOT INFECTIOUS 485 
and then the hair grows in again. There is a dejected and debili- 
tated condition in animals thus afflicted, and they fall rapidly in 
flesh. Their appetites are poor, and most of their time is expended 
in scratching themselves. Scab spreads rapidly. As soon as the 
disease is discovered the infected animals should be isolated, and 
both animals and infected quarters and rubbing posts disinfected 
with a solution of carbolic acid or one of the commercial dips. 
14. Spavin—Any condition which favors sprains, as 
fast driving over hard and uneven roads, bad shoeing, 
severe labor in early life, bruises or an injury to tendons 
or joints, may cause spavin. If not checked, the hock 
joint enlarges and free movement of the limbs is im- 
paired. Preventive treatment consists in keeping the 
feet trimmed properly, not overworking colts while 
young, careful driving on hard or uneven roads, and 
avoiding all injuries that are liable to strain tendons, 
ligaments or joints of the limbs. 
Even after a spavin has developed it may be cured by proper 
treatment of the feet, and applying a fly blister. If- 
blistering fails to cure the spavin, point-fring may be 
resorted to. But this should be done by a veterinary 
surgeon. 
15. Splints—Any enlargement of the bone 
occurring on the inside of the leg between 
the knee and fetlock, comes under the name 
of splint. The usual cause is travel on hard 
roads, blows, a twisting strain, or faulty con- 
formation. If taken in time, a splint can 
be cured. The first thing is to give the ani- 
mal rest and place in quarters where there 
is a soft floor, preferably the ground. 
Applications of cold water bandages act well. If E 
the disease does not respond to this treatment, a blister SPLINT 
may be necessary. 5 . 
Dr. Williams of Cornell University believes that spavin, splints, 
ringbone and other bone troubles are either hereditary or due to soil 
conditions. Soils free from limestone, for example, may be a con- 
tributing cause. He points out that horses in fire departments are 
not more subject to bone troubles than other horses. 
