10 THE CANADIAN HORSE 



does occur on the outside, it is caused by a kick from the 

 toe of a groom, or from the centre of gravity being altered 

 by the toes being turned in. 



Splints do not always cause lameness ; it is only in excep- 

 tional cases that they do, and only while the process of 

 inflammation is going on. The pain which gives rise to the 

 lameness is caused by the deposition of bone being faster 

 than the parts can accommodate themselves to, whereby the 

 periosteum is distended, and, being a fibro-vascular and 

 highly sensitive membrane, pain, intense pain, is produced, 

 and of course lameness. It is a common belief with most 

 people that splints cause lameness by interfering with the 

 action of the tendons. This idea we hold to be quite fanci- 

 ful, not from any theoretical view of the case, but from the 

 examination of numerous specimens. We quite agree with 

 Professor Dick in saying, " It is a general rule in the animal 

 economy that the hard parts give way to the soft, and 

 arteries, veins, nerves, tendons, &c., will be accommodated 

 by the absorption of the bone." 



It is more apt to cause lameness when placed near the 

 head of the bone ; it sometimes involves the knee-joint. In 

 walking, the lameness may not be observable, but in the trot 

 he is " dead larae ; " he drops very much. The part is' 

 swollen and tender, pain being evinced by pressure on the 

 enlargement. 



Treatment. — When splint does not produce lameness, it 

 is best not to interfere with it ; but if the process of inflam- 

 mation is going on, accompanied with swelling, pain, heat, 

 and lameness, rest must at once be given, a thick woollen 

 bandage applied, and cold water constantly poured on. This 

 simple plan of treatment is no doubt the best and most effi- 

 cacious of all remedies, if fairly tried ; but this is seldom 

 done, from the trouble of keeping a man constantly apply- 



