NEUROTOMY. 



11 



aestroycd, and die hoof has actually dropped off after the division of the 

 nerve — every prejudice has been strengthened, and the operation has been 

 censured and neglected. Now, although we have shown that every part 

 jf the animal frame is dependent on nervous energy, we have also shown 

 that we do not and cannot, by this operation, injure those nerves on which 

 nutiition depends: — these are the ganglial nerves, which wind round the 

 arteries and veins, and their minutest branches, and enable them to discharge 

 their functions ; and they are not, and cannot be touched in the operation 

 of unnerving ; nor can the sligiitest portion of nutriment be takea away 

 from the linVb. We divide only the nerve of sensation; and if we have 

 used a little common sense, and considered whether it be a case that admit* 

 of the operation, and will probably benefit by it, we shall give relief to him 

 who well deserves it, and will amply repay it. 



NERVE AND BRANCHES OF THE LEG. 

 WITH THEIR LOCALITY, ETC. 



Nerve on the inside of ilie ofF-lcgr, at the edge of the shanK 

 bone, and behind the nerve and artery. 



Continuation of the same nerve on the pastern, ^nd pro- 

 ceeding- downward to supply the back part ot the foot 

 with feeling-. 



Division of the nerve on the fetlock joint. 



Branch which supplies with feeling- the fore-par* of the 



foot. 



Artery between the vein and nerve. 



Continuation of the artery on the pastern, clos-- to and 



before the nerve. 

 Vein before the artery and nerve. 

 Same vein spreading <iver the pastern. 

 One of the tlexor tendons, the perforatus (perfora'^^d). 

 Deeper flexor tendon, the perforans (perforating, t nidined 



witiiin the other). 

 Tendinous bands in which the flexors work. 

 One of the extensors of the foot. 

 Internal or sensible frog. 

 Posterior lateral ligament. 

 Fleshy or sensible lamina, covering the cof5n-bone, th« 



horny crust being removed. 

 Horny crust. 

 Sole. 



Our cut gives a view of the nerve on the inside, as it approaches tho 

 fetlock, and goes over the pastern. It will be seen that branches are given 

 off above the fetlock, which go to the fore-part of the foot, and supply it 

 with feeling. The continuation of the nerve below the fetlock is given 

 principally to the quarters and hinder-part of the foot. The first consider 

 alioii, then, with the operator is, Does he wish to deprive the whole of the 

 fc'Ot of sensation, or is the cause of lameness principally in the hinder-part 

 of the foot, so that he can leave some degree of feeling in the fore-part, and 

 prevent that alteration in the tread and going of the horse which the good 

 horseman immediately detects. 



The horse is cast and secured, and the limb to be operated on removed 

 from the hobbles, and extended — the hair having been previously shaved 

 fioii- the part. The operator then feels for the throbbing of the artery, or 

 the round firm body of the nerve itself, on the side of the shank-bone, or 

 the larger pastern. The vein, artery, and nerve, here run close together; 

 the vein nearest to the front of the leg, then the artery, and the nervo 

 behind. He cautiously cuts through the skin, for an inch and a half in 



