LAMENESS IN HORSES, 
425 
The Treatment of Splint, when it be consequential enough 
to require treatment, is, in general, a simple affair. Coleman 
averred that “no man ever cured either a spavin or a splint;” by 
which he meant it to be understood, that it was not within the 
power of medicine to re-convert the osseous or callous matter of 
splint into the pristine fibro-cartilaginous tissue. What, however, 
is commonly understood by the cure of splint , is either the removal 
of the lameness it occasions, or the diminution or dispersion of the 
tumour which constitutes it. After all, however, the splint vir- 
tually remains, inasmuch as the union between the splint and can- 
non bones is not what it originally was, but for ever after remains 
bony. 
Supposing inflammation to be present in or about the splint, topical 
blood-letting, could we any how manage its execution, would no 
doubt prove beneficial : after which the best remedy is a counter- 
irritant to the skin : and nothing surpasses in efficacy a common 
blister. This however need not, in the generality of cases, be 
severe enough to blemish or even disturb the hair. The acetum 
cantharidum is a very good application ; and this may be sponged 
off with warm water eight or ten hours after being applied, which 
sponging off ought to be repeated, morning and evening, so long as 
any discharge continues to issue from the blistered surface. 
Operation may be resorted to, supposing it be an object to get 
rid of the tumour, either because it occasions cutting or on account 
of its magnitude. With a fine saw, such as is used for the removal 
of exostosis in the human subject, the tumour, after being denuded 
of its periosteal covering, might easily be sawn off. 
Periosteotomy has been extolled by Professor Sewell as every- 
thing we could desire by way of remedy for splint ; and, doubtless, 
there do occur cases in which it may be practised with advantage. 
In the generality of cases, however, it may be said in respect to 
this, as to the sawing operation, that since relief is obtainable by 
much simpler, and we might add, safer means too, what need is 
there of such comparatively formidable measures! However, 
should any of our readers desire further information on this part 
of our subject, they will find it in what we have already given 
under “Remedies for Spavin,” in The VETERINARIAN, Vol. xix, 
p. 423-5. 
