The treatment of splints

 

Splints manifest themselves as swellings and bony enlargements located on the splint bones on both forelegs and hindlegs of horses.

 

According to the George Veterinary Group, splints are not uncommon. “Many of us own a horse with a splint on one or more legs. In most cases, this gives us no cause for concern and the horse performs normally with no adverse consequences,” Veterinary Partner Linda Belton explains on their website. “However, in certain cases, a splint can cause long-term chronic lameness and they are also considered a significant blemish in the show-ring.”

 

 

The splint bones on inside and outside of the cannon bone are largely non-weightbearing. The splint bones are attached to the cannon bone by the interosseus ligament, and tearing of this ligament through either internal trauma such as fast exercise, or external trauma, such as a fracture of the splint bone, results in inflammation in the ligament, which leads to proliferative bone growth and a hard lump on the cannon bone.

 

Here are some top tips for prevention of splints

Here at Clippersharp, we recommend a topical product called ‘Splintex’. Fresh splints are best treated topically with Silver Splintex and gauze or cotton bandage. (Leg brush included when this is purchased.) Elimination of the fresh splint may occur as early as three five day cycles, although some cases require additional treatment. Horses with hot splints should receive complete rest, with exerciselimited to hand walking.

Cold splints are best treated topically with Gold Splintex, with bandaging optional. (Leg brush included when purchased). At approximately 20 days into treatment, the enlargements appear to flatten, with dramatic reduction of the splint as early as 30 days. Treatment should be continued to achieve complete elimination. Horses with cold splints may follow their daily routines without interruption, unless lameness is present.

Silver: 30ml

Formulated for hot splints. Fresh splints may typically be seen up to 60 days after initial 

appearance. Important: Allow the horse total rest; total treatment time may be 15 days, or 3 five day cycles.

Gold: 60ml 

Formulated for cold splints and other indications such as capped hocks, sesamoiditis and early  ringbone. Interruption to the horse’s daily routine is usually not required. Total treatment time may be in 

excess of 30 days.