106 TREATMENT OF DISEASES ^' 



and the nerve is divided. It is customary to amputate a small piece' 

 from that part of the nerve next the foot, so as to prevent immediate 

 reunion. If both feet are to be operated on, the nerve on the same 

 side of the other foot may be divided ; then roll the horse over and 

 operate on the other sides of the feet. 



DrvTsioN OF THE Flexor Tendons. — Division of the flexor 

 tendons of the fore limbs is usually performed in view of curing 

 *' sprung knees;" which are often the result of contraction of the' 

 annular ligament, which ties down the flexor tendons just below the 

 knees, or it may be occasioned by contraction of the tendons them- 

 selves. 



The tendon, or tendons, once divided, and their surfaces kept 

 apart, by a mechanical contrivance appended to the toe of the shoe, 

 interstitial deposits are thi'own out, and when the parts are again 

 united, length has been acquired, and in some cases the animal is 

 much benefited and his usefulness increased ; it would not be good 

 policy, however, to operate on an aged horse ; it is only when the 

 operation is performed on young animals that it is likely to be of 

 any benefit. One or both tendons maybe divided without the least 

 danger; the strong suspensory ligament inserted at the upper part 

 the cannon passes down at the back part of the same, and is so dis- 

 posed of at the fetlock that it is impossible for the parts to give way, 

 notyithstanding the temporary loss of function of the flexors. 



When about to perform this operation, the horse should be cast, 

 and secured ; then make a small incision along the inner edge of the 

 flexors, about midway between the knee and fetlock, introduce a 

 probe-pointed bistourie with convex edge, and by a sort of sawing 

 motion, sever one or both tendons ; an assistant, however, will be 

 required to keep the limb rigid while the tendons are being severed, 

 or they cannot be cut without doing some injui'y to other parts. 



The operation finished, a cold water bandage is to be applied, and 

 the horse should then be allowed to rise. 



The heels should now be pared very thin, and a toe piece tacked 

 on, having a projection in fi-ont, which will keep the divided edges 

 of the tendons apart. 



Operation for Aneruism. — Aneurism is a pulsating tumor filled 

 with the arterial blood; it usually arises from the rupture of the 

 muscular coat of an artery and dilatation of its cellular covering. 

 The only plan of curing is to cut down upon the artery and place a 

 ligature around it. 



Operation for Fistula op the Parotid Duct. — A fistulous 

 parotid duct signifies an unnatural outlet for the saliva se- 

 creted by the parotid gland ; instead of the fluid passing into the 

 mouth, it now, in consequence of a wound just below the ear, runs 

 outwardly down the neck and face. The old method of treatment 

 was very barbarous, the budding iron was the instrument with which 

 the unfortunate creature was tortured, and it very seldom did 

 much good. 



The modern treatment is more rational; it contemplates a closure 

 of the fistulous opening without doing injury to the surrounding 



