50/ THE RIDER AUGUST 2010
John Deere Gator For Sale!!!
Bought new in 2006. Condition is like new after only 86 hours of use. Hydraulic lift box with floor and box liners. Handy to use on any farm - You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one!
Question: Dear Doctors;
I have a horse that has a fractured splint bone and I am at a total loss of how this happened and what caused it.
I have lots of opinions on what should be done and how this happened. Can you help me understand how this occurred and how to avoid it?
ed.
New $13,000 Asking $8,500 (705) 887-5338
Phone: (519) 268-2050 email:
grantontrailers@execulink.com www.grantontrailers.com Any thoughts would be gratefully appreciat-
Looking forward to your reply Erin
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WHAT’S UP DOC From the desks of Dr’s Armstrong & Frost.
HALTON EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES
ANSWER Dear Erin
Here is some information about splints, their cause and possible treatment.
“Splints” are the result of inflammation of the liga- ment (interosseous liga- ment) between the splint bone and the cannon bone or the covering of the bones (periostium). The inflammation results in the formation of calcium deposits and therefore the splint that you can see. At times, this must be differ- entiated on x-ray from a fractured splint bone which is an actual break in the splint bone itself. “Splints” can be very small or very large depending on the degree
of the inflammation and the amount of calcium that is formed while the inflammation is trying to heal. Although a horse may show some lameness while the splint is forming once the splint is mature the splint is no longer painful, unless the calcium lump is large enough to rub on the suspensory ligament causing irritat- ing pain to the suspensory ligament.
“Splints” are most commonly seen in the horse on the inside of either front leg or the outside of the rear legs. In addition, cer- tain conformation deficiencies such as “bench knees” or toed- out” can predispose to splints. Direct trauma to the cannon bone or splint bone can cause inflammation and result in the forma- tion of a splint. Usually there is mild swelling, some heat and the horse is very sensitive to pressure over the area where a splint is forming.
injury. Often a few weeks rest will allow the inflammation to subside and the horse to get sound. Other treatments include counter irritants, cryosurgery, shockwave, cold therapy, DMSO with or without steroids and bandaging with a sweat. The most important aspect of treating a splint is to speculate as to the cause of the initial inflammation and eliminate the cause. This could be direct trauma (the horse hitting itself), accidental trau- ma where the horse accidentally bangs the leg on something solid, training where the horse is asked to do more than it is con- ditioned for and finally certain conformation deficiencies that result in extra concussion to the area during the normal training process.
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Finally, it is important to remember that there are a multi- tude of reasons for a splint to develop, a myriad of treatment possibilities and several potential outcomes so it is best to con- sult your veterinarian for complete examination of the horse with an intent of determining why the splint is developing and some direction as to the most likely treatment process for a positive outcome. “Splints” can be unsight- ly but if properly han- dled very seldom become a serious prob- lem.
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Hope this helps in your decision on what course of treatment you pick.
Treatments for splints vary with the cause and the degree of
Always speak to your veterinarian, as they are best at helping you pick, what is best for your horse.
Do you have a question to Ask The Doc? Call (905) 659- 4387 or email to:
info@hevs.ca, visit
www.hevs.ca or email The Rider at
barry@therider.com
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