=SPLINTS.=--Splints occur more commonly in the heavier breeds of horses than in those that are light in the bone below the knee. It is rare that splints occur anywhere except on the inside of the front cannon bone, although they are sometimes seen on the outside of both the front and hind legs. Any enlargement of the bone occurring on the inside of the leg between the knee and fetlock comes under the name of splint. The usual cause is concussion, that is, the impact of the foot on the hard road. It may be the result of other causes, such as a blow, a twisting strain or faulty conformation. Some animals are more liable to splints than others. It is, after all, to a certain extent, dependent upon heredity. At first the splint is hard to detect. If you notice a young horse going lame while doing road work, it is well to examine for splints. While working there seems to be no lameness at all, and when standing there seems to be no pain, but when put to a trot the horse shows lameness and may raise and lower his head. If taken in time, a splint can be cured. The first thing to do with an animal suffering from a splint is to give the animal rest and place in such quarters where there is a soft floor, preferably the ground, and when so quartered one very frequently effects a complete cure. The application of cold water bandages acts well. If treatment of this sort fails, apply a blister of red iodide of mercury, 1 tablespoonful to 2 tablespoonfuls of lard. This blister should be applied with rubbing every day from two to four days, or until the area is well blistered. Then wait until the little scabs fall off, and if the animal is still lame, repeat the application of this blister. To apply the blister, clip off the hair over the enlargement and wash with vinegar to remove grease, then rub in blister with ends of fingers. Keep the animals tied short for two to four days in order to prevent rubbing or biting the leg. Four days after the last application of blister, wash carefully with warm water and soap and over it apply every day or so a little lard, to prevent drying and also to loosen the scabs. =SPRAINS.=--Injuries to the ligaments of joints, tendons, or muscles. They are caused by violence, as twisting, or from over-exertion; also sprains are often the result of overwork. If an animal is worked until tired or exhausted he is unable to use the proper muscle force, and more strain has to be borne by the ligaments, resulting in sprains, which often occur in young horses or even in old horses, when put to work after long periods of rest. Swelling, heat, soreness, and partial or complete loss of the use of the part, which is shown by the degree of lameness, characterize the disorder. Sprains are most common in the legs, at the fetlock joint, in the tendons just back and above the fetlocks, but may occur in any part.