SETOXS. 327 



cartilages and ligaments, it would be injudicious to cut the 

 nerve, as the animal feeling no pain, the too active use of 

 the foot would hasten the progress of disease by bruising 

 the parts. Neither would it be proper to" have recourse to 

 neurotomy in pumiced and convex soles of the foot, because 

 it would be speedily worn out and destroyed by the animal 

 now pressing on it ; whereas before the operation the pain 

 of pressure naturally induced him to bear lightly on it. 



From what we have said, we hope all the prejudices 

 against this operation will be removed, and by resorting to 

 it many suffering cart and waggon horses will be freed from 

 suffering, and prove more serviceable to their owners. But 

 by all means let the nerve be cut by an experienced veteri- 

 nary surgeon. 



SETONS. 



In abscesses, ulcers, and tumours, the use of setons mil 

 prove of great service. A seton is a piece of cord or tape 

 passed through the base of such ulcers as have deep sinuses, 

 or between the skin and muscles. This is effected by means 

 of an instrument resembling a needle, and the seton is kept 

 in its place by means of a knot at each end, or tying the 

 ends together. The tape should be moved several times 

 during the day, and wetted with turpentine, spirit of wine, 

 or some acrid liquid, in order to keep up the inflammation 

 and promote the discharsre of matter, which is the purpose 

 for which setons are use 



Setons are often useful in increasing a discharge in the 

 places contiguous to inflammation, and thus carrying off 

 that superfluity of fluid matter which would distend the 

 vessels of those parts and keep up the inflammation. For 

 Bxample : in inflammation of the eye, a seton in the cheek 

 will act with much advantage, on the principle of counter- 



