1 84 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



of the elbow the swelling appears to be much more prominent and 

 somewhat better defined. 



The Brachial Lymphatic Glands. — These glands are divided into two 

 groups. One group, the inferior, in which there may be two glands, 

 but frequently there is only one, is placed at the inner side of the elbow 

 joint, in close proximity to the articulation between the humerus and the 

 sigmoid cavity of the ulna. The situation is therefore slightly posterior 

 to the internal lateral ligament of the elbow. The lymphatics which 

 accompany the superficial veins, and also those which run with the more 

 deeply seated veins and arteries, pass to this group, through which there- 

 fore practically the whole of the lymph from the limb below the elbow 

 is transmitted. On this account we get the greater prominence of the 

 swelling in septic infection referred to above. 



In such cases a surgical outlet for the septic material should be pro- 

 vided, extreme care being taken to keep clear of the joint. Should an 

 abscess form in the gland, it should be treated as an ordinary abscess 

 elsewhere. 



Surgical treatment is indicated at the earliest possible opportunity, 

 in order to prevent extension of the infection to the superior group of 

 glands. These are situate near the internal tubercle of the humerus, in 

 close proximity to the tendon of insertion of the teres major and latissi- 

 mus dorsi muscles. They are here found behind the brachial artery and 

 vein. A number of fairly large vessels (usually ten) extend from the 

 inferior group to the superior, and the comparatively inoperable position 

 of the latter indicates the necessity for urgency in surgical treatment 

 before infection spreads to them. 



Into the superior group the lymphatics of the shoulder and brachial 

 region also open directly. 



The Prescapular Glands. — These form a chain in the groove between 

 the mastoido-humeralis and subscapulo-hyoideus muscles near the base of 

 the neck, where they follow the course of the superior or ascending 

 division ot the inferior cervical artery. The chain is from twelve to 



