Splint in Horses 235 
strain or concussion has a tendency to split the splint- 
bone loose from the eannon-bone. To stop any move- 
ment that may take place between these two bones, 
nature throws out an exostosis to weld them together. 
When this is accomplished, the bones are held firmly 
in their normal position and the splint is cured. 
When splints are first forming there is usually lame- 
ness, though not always. The first symptom usually 
noticed is the appearance of the small bunch on the 
inside of the fore leg. 
Unless there is a marked lameness or the splint is 
large, the best treatment for this trouble is to let it 
alone or to hand-rub thoroughly. Always lower the 
inside wall of the hoof, to relieve the pressure. When 
there is marked lameness or a large bunch, a light 
blister rubbed over the part and repeated in three or 
four weeks is usually sufficient. Tincture of iodine, 
painted on once daily until the skin becomes sore, and 
then withheld a few days, is good. When there is 
much inflammation or a large bunch, puncturing the 
periosteum, or covering of the bone, with a fine-pointed 
knife will often relieve the pressure and stop the lame- 
ness. This operation should be performed by a skilled 
surgeon. 
DISLOCATION OF BONES 
Dislocated bones are commonly said to be “out-of- 
joint.” This condition is comparatively rare in the lower 
animals. Dislocations are caused by violence, severe 
strains, peculiar attitudes and slipping, which produce 
a partial or complete rupture of the strong ligaments 
