272 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
2. Splints. 
A splint is a bony enlargement on the front leg between 
the knee and the fetlock or below the hock on the hind leg. 
It may affect the inside or outside of the leg, but is less 
frequently found on the outside of the front leg. Any 
enlargement of bone in the places mentioned comes within 
the meaning of the term splint. Should both sides of the leg 
be affected the term, double splint, is applied. 
Causes. — Driving, riding or working colts upon hard, 
solid footing — pavements of cities, shoes that are too heavy, 
striking the foot against the opposite leg in traveling, or 
anything that may cause inflammation between the bone and 
its covering may cause a splint. The inflammation causes a 
deposit of bony matter, resulting in enlargement of the part 
and soreness. Colts that are very fat and heavy on their legs 
or horses with small, weak legs below the knee are more 
liable to be affected. 
Symptoms. — A splint is hard to detect until it has 
developed to some extent, after which there is little difficulty. 
There is a peculiarity about lame- 
ness caused by splint which it is 
well to note carefully. When walk- 
ing or standing the lameness is not 
evident, making its appearance only 
when trotting, at which time it is 
very noticeable. Notice, too", that 
a lame horse drops his head when 
he strikes his weight on the sound 
leg in order, so far as he can, to 
favor the lame leg. In any case 
where lameness is noticed examine 
the feet carefully to be sure that 
nothing — a nail, sliver, etc. — is pen- 
etrating the sensitive portions. 
Treatment. — Proper treatment, 
generally speaking, is successful. 
Keep the horse from work as much 
as possible. If in summer, bathe 
the leg in cold water containing a 
little salt, a couple of times a day, Fig. 4i.— Spiints. i. a Bone- 
, ■ 11' 1 1 i-L ^ik^ Growth on the Front of the 
and after rubbmg dry, apply the Leg, Frequently Spoken of as a 
wbitfs limmant. Continue this treat^ fh^Knee'' 1 a'low' SpH.^^ 
