590 
TREATMENT OF SPLINTS. 
examination is perfectly easy, though in some cases care is required 
to avoid prominence of the “ button ” on the lower end of the small 
metacarpal with periosteal swellings. On the other hand, inflammation 
of the skin is sometimes difficult to distinguish from periostitis, though, 
as a rule, painful lameness is here absent. 
It has been said that splint lameness is easily mistaken for that of 
navicular disease, because the lameness produced by periostitis usually 
increases with movement; this, however, seems erroneous, for navicular 
lameness decreases, and often disappears entirely with exercise. Never¬ 
theless, the other portions of the limb should always be carefully 
examined, in order to confirm the diagnosis. This is particularly 
necessary when the pain produced by pressure is slight. 
Prognosis is generally favourable, especially where the position and 
character of the periostitis point to mechanical injury. Exostoses of a 
longish form occurring on the small metacarpal and in young horses are 
apt to be troublesome. The chance of recovery is less if, in consequence 
of defective formation of the limb, the parts are likely to be struck by 
the other foot. Prognosis is doubtful when the knee is coexistently 
diseased, or when extensive exostoses have formed close to it, and opinion 
should be reserved even when the patient, after a long rest, shows no 
lameness. In cases of this kind in young horses, the splints which 
remain not infrequently cause renewed lameness on every attempt to 
work, and, as a rule, never disappear completely. 
Treatment may be called for by the presence either of periostitis, 
lameness, or exostosis. The treatment of periostitis first demands the 
removal of the cause. Skilful shoeing is important to prevent striking 
and to effect a proper distribution of weight, but scarcely comes within 
our present province. Rest is essential, particularly when the disease is 
clearly not of mechanical origin. The splints so common in young 
foals and yearlings often disappear spontaneously, and it is better to 
wait a reasonable time rather than produce permanent blemishes by 
undue haste in treatment. 
Local applications of cold*water, mercurial ointment, tincture of iodine, 
&c., are seldom of use. In adults a blister may be indicated provided 
the skin is uninjured. Cantharides ointment, though often recommended, 
has less effect than caustic mercury preparations, especially sublimate, 
employed in concentrated solution. This was a favourite application of 
the older practitioners, but its use demands caution. One part of subli¬ 
mate dissolved in four parts of spirit is applied with a feather, and 
sharply rubbed in. The cutaneous and subcutaneous swelling produced 
exercises general pressure on the inflamed periosteum, and limits exuda¬ 
tion therein. Firing answers the same object, though, without doubt, 
the subsequent rest is of great importance. 
