Etiology and Occurrence.—This condition is one wherein there is osseous formation following a periostitis and the region of the upper portion of the second (inner small) metacarpal bone is the usual site of the exostosis. There is incited an inflammation of the periosteum at the site of the interosseous ligament which attaches the small to the large metacarpal bone. This ligament is involved in the inflammatory process, and according to Havemann, whose view is supported by Moller, this inflammation is the origin of the trouble.
Various theories attempting an explanation of the frequent affection of this one certain part so regularly involved have been offered, but no proof of the correctness of any exists. It follows, however, that splints occur in young animals; that the affection seldom starts in subjects that are ten years of age or older, and that when the exostosis has formed, lameness usually subsides. Anything which will cause undue strain or irritation of the metacarpal bones in young animals, is quite apt to result in a splint being formed. Concussion such as is caused by fast work on hard roads, or work on rough or irregular road surfaces which cause unequal distribution of weight, will cause splint lameness and exostosis follows.
Course.—Because of the peculiar manner in which the second and third metacarpal bones articulate in young animals, until the bones become ossified and permanently joined, the inflammation which attends the acute stage of this affection, causes lameness. Later, unless an unusually large exostosis is formed, which may cause a constant irritation due to its size and juxtaposition to the carpus, lameness is discontinued.
Symptomatology.—Lameness is usually the first manifestation of this disorder, and the thing which characterizes splint lameness is its peculiar intermittence. There is a mixed form of lameness which may not be in evidence when an affected animal is started on a drive, but which is marked after the subject has gone some distance. The animal may, however, go lame throughout the whole of a drive and continue to be lame for several days or weeks in some cases. It is noticeable that lameness is augmented or produced when the subject travels on rough road surfaces and that little or no difficulty is encountered when roads are smooth.
The heavy brachial fascia is inserted in part to the head of the second metacarpal (inner small) bone together with the oblique digital extensor (extensor metacarpi obliquus) and this explains the reason for pain being manifested during extension of the member.
Before there is a visible exostosis, supersensitiveness is readily recognized upon palpation of the parts, if careful comparison is made between the sound and unsound members. However, frequently splints occur on both forelegs at the same time and in some instances exostoses are several in number upon each member affected. In some instances, the affection involves the outer splint bone and no evident involvement of the inner one exists.
Treatment.—At the onset complete rest should be provided and the local application of some good cataplasm is in order. A stimulating liniment is beneficial when employed several times daily and massage is also quite helpful. Later, the application of a blistering ointment is good treatment. The use of the actual cautery stimulates prompt resolution, but there is seldom any resorption of products of inflammation following firing. Whereas, in cases where other treatment is begun early, there usually follows considerable diminution in the size of the exostosis. A rest of four or five weeks is necessary and very young animals should not be put to work too soon, if the character of the work is such as to induce a recurrence of the trouble.