242 



VETERINARY STUDIES 



Common Unsoundness and Blemishes 



Ringbones, splints, spavins, etc., are abnormal developments 

 of bone tissue, the result of an inflammation of the periosteum. 

 These are all recognized as forms of unsoundness, and usually 

 cause lameness. The inflammation of the periosteum may have 

 its origin in bruises or other injuries, or it may possibly be the 







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Fig. 83. — Ringbones. (M. B. B.) 



1. Ringbone and sidebone, with general anchylosis. 



2. Ringbone and sidebone, with general anchylosis and marked bony en- 

 largement. 



3. High ringbone with anchylosis on first and second phalanges. 



4. Low ringbone with sidebone, and anchylosis of the second and third 

 phalanges. 



5. Ringbone with sidebone, and unilateral anchylosis. 



result of an extending inflammation from some adjoining tissue, 

 but in either case the result is usually a projecting development 

 of bony tissue, i.e., an exostosis. Hereditary tendency is an- 

 other important item among causes. 



Ringbone. — This is characterized by an exostosis on some por- 

 tion of the pastern bones. It may be in front, behind, on either 

 side, or extending entirely around the pastern. It may be lo- 

 cated near the crown of the hoof or very much higher. Some 

 ringbones involve the articulation, and are then called articular. 



