160 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



readily turned over, when down, from one to the other. The accompany- 

 ing illustrations give an idea of the modus operandi of casting (Plate LI). 

 The horse to be cast is first made to stand with all four legs close 

 together; the rope is then drawn up tight, the leading man standing- 

 near to the fore hobble, and at the word of command the three or four 

 men engaged on the rope pull together in an outward and backward 

 direction. To ensure the animal falling on the side opposite to that on 

 which the men are pulling, another rope is usually attached on the 

 falling side to a surcingle or else under the opposite arm, and given into 

 the charge of one who can be depended on to exert the necessary power 

 when the right moment arrives. When down, the rope is prevented from 

 running out, and the horse from moving his legs, by a spring hook (fig. 

 501) being inserted between one of the links of the shortened chain, while 



his head is held back and pressed upon the 

 ground. A piece of old pasture is the most 

 convenient and at the same time safest bed 

 upon which to cast animals, but where this is 

 not procurable, a thick bed of straw answers 

 the purpose equally well. 

 Fig. sol.— Spring Hook for Hobbies For the more important operations, and 



especially in well- equipped stables, an oper- 

 ating-table, such as that illustrated in Plate LII, is of course desirable, 

 though not by any means essential. 



The physiological means of restraint have been incidentally referred to 

 in other parts of this work, notably that dealing with the subject of local 

 and general anaesthesia. 



For minor operations cocaine is one of the most valuable of recently 

 discovered anaesthetics. By its aid we may perform minor operations upon 

 the eye, the mucous membranes of the mouth, nostrils, &c. By injecting 

 it under the skin, even such severe pain as that inflicted by firing can be 

 obviated, and the patient made to stand during the operation. A solution 

 containing from 4 per cent to 10 per cent of the drug is commonly em- 

 ployed, whether for painting on a mucous membrane or injecting subcu- 

 taneously, and up to about 15 grains, there is absolute safety. No greater 

 amount should be used at any one time except under professional direction. 

 (See Anesthesia, Vol. II, p. 479). 



