SPT/ENT, OR SPLINT. 
115 
the outer splent-bone, and the pressure is divided between 
it and the shank-bone. Besides, many smiths who are im¬ 
perfectly acquainted with their profession, most absurdly 
elevate the outer heel of the shoe to a great degree, which 
throws an additional quantity of the weight of the animal 
on the inner splent-bone. Severe blows sometimes occasion 
splents on other portions of the shank-bone. 
During the formation of a splent, the horse is frequently 
lame, occasioned by the periosteum, or membrane which 
covers the bone, being stretched to an unnatural degree, and 
causing great pain to the animal in consequence of the 
sensitive nature of that membrane. But when it has been 
so stretched as to accommodate itself to the form of the 
tumour causing the splent—unless it be in a situation 
which comes in contact with the tendon—the lameness will 
disappear ; or a slight inflammation may be induced by the 
pressure above referred to. 
Properly speaking, in most instances splents cannot be 
called unsoundness, as it is possible they may not at all 
interfere with the action of the horse, and in that case they 
will not depreciate its value. This, of course, depends much 
upon the situation in which the splents are found. 
Remedies. —When it is noticed that a splent is forming, 
which generally commences with a tumour, the hair should 
be shaved off all round it, and a small portion of mercurial 
ointment rubbed into it for two or three days, and after this 
a pretty strong blister should be applied. If these do not 
stop its progress, the cautery is sometimes used ; although 
we would recommend that this should not be resorted to, 
except where the splent threatens to be large, and is making 
evident progress after the above remedies. It often happens 
that the effects of the mercurial ointment and blister do 
not manifest themselves at first; but after some little time 
