32 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



between the two. As a makeshift the chain niav be fixed by forming 

 a shp-knot as close as possible to the hobbles and passing a bundle of 

 straw through the loop. The person at the horse's head must take 

 care that the animal does not succeed in bending its head towards its 

 chest and arching its neck, because this attitude, which lacilitates con- 

 traction of the great muscles of the back and quarters, is often respon- 

 sible for fractures of the vertebrae. 



To retain the head extended Bernadot and Butel invented an 

 apparatus consisting of a strong head-collar, from which powerful straps 

 run backwards above the neck, and are attached on either side to a 

 ring in the surcingle. The surcingle is prevented from slipping forward 



Fig. 48. — Method of casting as adopted at the Stuttgart Veterinary School. 



by the use of a crupper. The apparatus is applied loosely before 

 casting, and the straps tightened after the animal is on the ground. 



The releasing of an animal depends on the method employed for 

 casting. Most hobbles are arranged so that all four feet are im- 

 mediately loosened by withdrawing the screw-key of the master 

 hobble, but where no such arrangement exists the fore and hind feet of 

 the lower side should first be set free, and then those of the upper 

 side. The assistants sitting on the shoulder and haunch should not 

 move until the man in charge of the bridle is quite prepared for the 

 animal's rising, and the word of command has been given. Should 

 the fore-quarters be on a lower level than the hind, or the back lower 

 than the feet, the horse may have difficulty in rising. In such case the 



