SPLINTS IN THE HORSE. 
591 
When objected to, these methods may be replaced by a pressure 
dressing. A mixture of equal parts of mercurial ointment and lanolin 
should be rubbed in smartly once a day, and a proper pressure bandage 
applied. 
Periosteotomy, though revived from time to time, has not been much 
practised. The operation sometimes shortens the duration of the pain 
and tension in the periosteum which causes lameness, but usually it 
neither diminishes the morbid changes nor lessens the lameness, while 
it sometimes occasions considerable thickening, and even necrosis of bone. 
Perhaps these troublesome complications might be avoided by strict 
antisepsis, but the recorded cases are insufficient to settle the question. 
Needle firing has also been recommended and deserves trial. The 
best method is probably that described by Dollar as “ antiseptic firing,” 
where the parts are prepared and afterwards treated like a surgical 
wound (see Part I. of this series, “ Operative Technique ”). 
Ablation of splints by the use of the gouge or chisel and mallet has 
been practised since Lafosse’s time, but seems a barbarous method of 
removing a growth which very frequently denotes the need for local 
increase of substance. It could only be justified where the splint formed 
a mechanical impediment to movement, as, for instance, when the animal 
was in the habit of striking it with the opposite foot. 
Removal of exostoses is assisted by massage and methodical com¬ 
pression. The former can seldom be continued sufficiently long, though, 
when the necessary assistance is available, the splint may be diminished 
by rubbing it daily with a firm leather pad or similar object. The 
treatment must, however, be persevered with for months. A better plan 
is as follows:—A piece of lead (a leaden bullet, beaten flat) or thick sole- 
leather is fixed over the exostosis with moderate firmness by a bandage. 
The pressure thus produced, if continued for some weeks, often brings 
about considerable diminution in size. Care is needed to avoid causing 
necrosis of skin, and it is therefore well to change the dressing frequently, 
where possible daily, and examine the skin. By employing massage, 
resorption is hastened. 
A peculiar periostitis on the large metacarpus (occasionally on the meta¬ 
tarsus), termed “sore shins,” is seen in young race-horses. It always 
appears suddenly after violent gallops, and is usually confined to the lower 
half of the bone. The affected limb is rested, or if both limbs suffer, the 
weight of the body is alternately shifted from one to another. When moving, 
the leg is not properly lifted, and is extended stiffly ; the horse goes 
“ short.” Soon after, a hot, very painful swelling (periostitis) apears on 
the front of one or other, sometimes of both shin-bones. It usually dis¬ 
appears in a few weeks, though necrosis of bone has occasionally been 
observed—perhaps, in consequence of the treatment. I he disease occurs 
