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  Discussion on Splints
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Posted on Friday, Aug 13, 1999 - 9:01 am:

My new horse has thrown a splint on her foreleg. It's only slightly warm and she's not lame. I put an ice-pack on it when I noticed it, and it seems cooler now, and slightly smaller. It's quite high on the inside, and fairly far forward.
I've read the article, but have a few more questions. Do you recommend rest even if the horse is not lame and shows no signs of discomfort?
In his book "Lameness" Peter Gray says splints are associated with poor foot/limb balance in a high percentage of cases and may indicate a combination of factors (nutritional as well as conformational), particularly in younger horses. He says problems affecting the formation of bone also play a part (ie deficiencies of vitamins A, D and E, calcium and phosphorus).
Do you subscribe to this view? And how long do splints take to form? As I've explained in previous posts, I suspect this horse's nutrition was compromised as a foal, but could there be anything I'm doing wrong at this stage? For instance allowing her to put on weight too quickly? Her opposite hind was unbalanced when I got her (two months ago). Could this have played a role?
Thanks
Karen

Posted on Saturday, Aug 14, 1999 - 1:18 pm:

Hello Karen,
While there is no doubt those factors can play a role in increasing the incidence of problems I rarely find they are the cause in well cared for horses. Usually the horses are well cared for and either has:

1) Received direct trauma to the splint or
2) their exercise has exceeded the ability of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal (Mc) to remain stable where it is joined to the cannon (3rd Mc). I think a lot of the cause is horses in show condition (read overweight) asked to go in circles or jump. Fortunately the splint strengthens the junction when healed.

They can form in just days but mature to bone in about 7 weeeks. Of course you could be doing something wrong, review your nutrition and the horses condition. Don't go looking for exotic explanations that cannot be proved or disproved just review your current management, correct any identifiable problems, paddock rest and daily hand walk the horse for a minimum of 21 (I perfer 50) days and get ready to go on, starting slow watching for any signs that further rest is needed.

This is a common problem with an excellent prognosis, but the size of the splint and amount of down time will depend on making sure the horse gets enough paddock rest early on.
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 16, 1999 - 6:25 am:

Hi all,
I've heard that there's some kind of cream which you can rub on a splint, and which assists in reducing the size, if not making it disappear completely. Anyone know any more?
Dr O, my intention in looking for an explanation was to avoid making the same mistake again, but of course you're right - a theory which cannot be proved or disproved has little practical value.
I've thought about breeding my next horse myself, wrapping it in cottonwool and never letting it out of my sight 24 hours a day. 'Spose I'll have to shower some time though, and it'll be just those 5 minutes when the little darling falls over its own feet and breaks a leg! :-)
Patience Karen, patience.... it's a familiar and not-too-welcome refrain. *grin* How did you get to read me that fast???

Posted on Monday, Aug 16, 1999 - 7:49 am:

Hello Karen,
You? Impatient? I am shocked.

Many small splints will disappear completely with proper treatment. I have long felt that message during the cool phase will help reduce it size by increasing circulation. The old timers liked orange peel for massaging. I do not think it matters what you use but suspect that many of the splint remedies help mainly through this action.
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 16, 1999 - 10:49 am:

Hi Karen,
We train TB race horses and much experience with splints. Rest is the best option but we have found that painting lightly with Ball solution helps alot

Posted on Sunday, Jun 11, 2000 - 11:58 am:

I have a yearling thoroughbred that we are prepping for a sale in Lexington,KY in mid-July. She just popped a split on her right leg. We have been keeping her in a double stall, DMSO one day, icing the next day. (Wrapping with the DMSO) What can I do to make it cosmetically the best it can be? I realize splints are stronger when healed.

Posted on Monday, Jun 12, 2000 - 10:07 am:

Janet,
Before you post a new forum discussion be sure to review the already existing articles and forum discussions on your subject. Many of your questions are answered in the article on splints. This is the appropriate topic for your subject, so just back up to your topic using the navigation bar at the top of this page and then select the article by clicking on its title.

After reviewing the article and the already existing discussions your question remains unanswered or you think of something else select New Discussions off the topic page. Then choose a title that is descriptive and will help other members find your questions.
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The Advisor Administration

Posted on Friday, Oct 6, 2000 - 6:55 pm:

I have a three year old quarter horse that has just popped his third splint in the same leg. He has only been ridden since he turned three and has not been ridden hard, only three times a week. Any suggestions why this horse might be doing this and how to prevent it. We ride him with sport medicine splints boots.
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