These
happen when bone is damaged, most often just below the knee, and
results in extra bone being formed often in large lumps. The causes can
include a kick or blow, working on hard ground and poor shoeing and most
often affect younger horses under 6 years. A splint is often painful with
a lot of inflammation and can cause lameness especially if the suspensory
ligament is involved.
Treating
the inflammation is the first step to reduce pain, cold hosing, ice packs
and rest can help and your vet. is likely to use 'bute and DMSO ointment to
rub into the area. It should be remembered that inflammation is a natural
healing process as more blood is directed to an injury to assist in the
healing process, so to stop it all together could be counter-productive.
Unless the suspensory ligament is badly affected or arthritis in the knee
is a threat, surgery is not likely to be suggested.
PEGASUS
PRODUCTS THAT CAN HELP
NatureBute
is Boswellia serrata, well known in the USA as a treatment for
inflammation and pain. Unlike 'bute, NatureBute can be used under rules
but
whilst treating splints it is not adviseable to work the horse in this
way. It is, however, a very valuable herb in the long term treatment of
inflammation and pain when the use of strong drugs are to be avoided.
NatureBute together with cold hosing and/or ice packs can often bring about
considerable relief while a horse is rested until fit to work again.