Splints

Description

Splints are characterized by a hard calcification on the inside or less frequently the outside of the front leg between the splint and cannon bone or on the splint bone itself, about three inches below the knee. The splint bones run down each side of the cannon bone, narrowing as they go from the carpal joint down to form a "button" at the bottom, just below the fetlock. .

Direct trauma from a kick or a blow to the area is the most common cause, although developmental orthopedic diseases, poor shoeing, or concussion as the result of working on hard ground may cause splints to develop. Splints usually occur in horses under the age of six.

Symptoms

• Bony swelling
• Warm to touch
• Inflammation
• Mild lameness

Causes

Splints are usually caused by direct trauma to the cannon bone area, concussive force from working on hard ground, orthopedic developmental disease, or poor shoeing. Overworking young horses at high speeds before their bones have become dense and strong is likely to cause splints to develop.

Because splint bones have some mobility independent of the cannon bone, tension and strain on the periosteum of the splint bone, where the interosseous ligament attaches, can lead to the laying down of new bone and inflammation of the area. These bony changes usually occur between the splint and cannon bones rather than on the outside of the splint bone. Known as "blind splints," they are harder to detect because they are between the bones.

Prevention

The best prevention of splints is good horse management and training routines that are in keeping with the horse's developmental age and capabilities. By preventing traumatic injuries to the legs as much as possible and making sure horses are shoed appropriately, many cases of splints can be avoided. Checking horses routinely before exercise and paying attention to any bumps or swellings on the legs will ensure that horses receive prompt attention, preventing minor conditions from becoming worse.

Treatment

Treatment of splints begins with putting the horse on a reduced workload for several weeks and exercising the horse on soft ground to prevent further calcification due to concussive force.

X-rays should be taken to make sure that no fractures are involved, especially if the splints are caused by direct trauma.

Swelling and inflammation should be relieved with ice packs and pressure bandages. Cortisone injections will help reduce periosteal inflammation. If the interosseous ligament becomes calcified, surgery may be necessary.

Most veterinarians do not recommend surgical removal of the bone growth because it usually does not produce satisfactory results, and, quite often, the bone growth is stimulated by surgery and the splint increases in size.