162 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



instance, when side-bone exists on one aspect of the pastern only. More- 

 over, by leaving the nerve of one side intact, the foot will continue to 

 enjoy a certain amount of feeling, which will not only give security to the 

 animal's movements, but ensure some degree of caution in the use of the 

 limb, which will be to the advantage of the neurotomized half of the foot. 



It is necessary to cast the animal prior to operation, and if total anaes- 

 thesia is to be produced, a period of some fifteen hours' fasting is recom- 



Fig. 502. — Tenotomy and Neurectomy. Localities of the various operations 



1, Median neurectomy. 2, Neurectomy of the ulnar nerve. 3, Tenotomy of deep flexor tendon. 4, High 

 plantar neurectomy. 5, Low plantar neurectomy. 6, Cuuean tenotomy. 



mended; indeed, fasting by way of preparation for throwing is by many 

 veterinary surgeons considered a necessary precaution against risk of 

 rupturing some of the abdominal organs, especially the stomach and bowels. 



If, immediately the horse is cast, the precaution is taken to apply a 

 powerful india-rubber band (with hook-and-eye) to act as a tourniquet, 

 bleeding from the wound is prevented, and the operator has no difficulty 

 in dissecting the nerve from its surroundings. 



The site of the operation is closely clipped, and washed with soap and 

 water, and afterwards dressed with an antiseptic, the same precautions 

 being taken in respect to instruments and appliances to be used. A longi- 

 tudinal incision about three-cmarters of an inch in length is then made with 

 a sharp scalpel, and the underlying connective tissue divided until a clear 



