OrERATIOFS. 311 



CHAPTER XII. 



OPERATIONS. 



Although operations are more the province of the veteri- 

 nary surgeon than of private individuals, yet it would not 

 he proper to pass over these without partially touching upon 

 the subject. It is well for the untauglit at least to know^ 

 how the most simple of these are performed, and to them 

 only shall we draw attention. 



It is easy to im.agine that in several operations the 

 animals must suiFer considerable pain, and under these are 

 frequently very restiff. It therefore becomes necessary to 

 have certain instruments constructed to restrain the animals, 

 and prevent them from injuring themselves, as well as for 

 the safety of the operator. These we shall describe in the 

 first instance. 



The Travis. — This machine, considered by Continental 

 horse-shoeing blacksmiths as indispensable accompaniments 

 to their forge, is comparatively rare in this country. On 

 tlie Continent, even the Quietest horses are shod in the 

 travis. It consists of very strong bars of wood, between 

 which the horse is confined and slung. Although this is 

 well calculated to prevent danger to the blacksmith, yet 

 many fine horses have been rendered useless from their 

 violent resistance to such confinement. 



The Barnacles. — These are the handles of the pincers, 

 which are placed over and enclose the muzzle. These are 

 compressed by the assistant in operations. They give great 

 pain, but are indispensable with some horses to enforce 



