Horses walk on one digit in the same way
as we might try with difficulty to walk on one toe or do a handstand on one
finger of each hand. The other digits that are comparable to our other fingers
and toes are the splint bones. In horses there are only two other fingers or
toes on each limb called splints. When a horse has ‘splints’ the splint
bones are damaged. In such cases pressure or damage to the area first affects
the ligament that holds the splint bone to the rest of the leg and this in turn
affects the lining of the splint bone which causes extra bone to form. Bad
splint problems result in large lumps of extra bone formation on the sides of
the legs.
Causes of splint damage are: direct blows to the leg, work
on hard ground, poor conformation and poor shoeing. They most easily occur in
young horses under 6 years. Most splint damage is seen about 10cm below the knee
on the inside of the front leg and there is pain and discomfort in the area.
This pain can cause lameness if it interferes with
structures like the suspensory ligament.
Splints are treated by reducing
inflammation in the affected area. This can be done by using cold hosing, by
using drugs like ‘Bute’, by resting and by applying ointments like DMS0.
Surgery is not usually recommended unless the splints unless they affect the
suspensory ligament badly, keep getting knocked or cause arthritis in the knee
joint.
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