
FIRST, what exactly are splints? “Splints” is a common term used by vets, horse owners and professionals alike that refers to the splint bones. It can also be used – or in fact misused – even more specifically to refer to a lump or swelling that can form along the inside or outside of the cannon bone, as in, “My horse has a splint.”
“Splint bones” should correctly be called the second (medial) and fourth (lateral) metacarpal (front leg) or metatarsal (back leg) bones. These are the vestigial metacarpal/metatarsal bones that form integral parts of the supporting and stabilising structures of the horse’s leg. They are pretty significant and serve as a site for important ligament attachments (see figure 1, top right), which attach directly to the “splint bones”.
The medial splint bones form part of the joint with the carpus (knee) and the tarsus (hock) and weight is directly transferred through them. The same is true for the lateral splint bones, albeit far less so.
What do we mean when we say a horse has a splint? This refers to the swelling that you see, which will often feel like a hard bony swelling. It may appear suddenly, and may be very painful to the touch and make your horse lame.
THE CAUSES
この記事は Horse & Hound の February 01, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Horse & Hound の February 01, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン

Super Sonic steps up
Oakley Nash lands a 128cm double with \"wild\" project pony and a determined 138cm rider is in flying form

Townend takes two
A familiar face and a potential future star triumph for Oliver Townend, as the eventing season gets under way

Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family

William's the Lad
It's back-to-back victories in the hunt race he sponsors for a delighted – and generous – William Fox Grant

Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock

'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country

Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner

Access all areas Gavin Cromwell
The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story

Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds

Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field