RESULTS OF NEURECTOMY. 



893 



nerve is dissected away, following the direction of the wound, and 

 carefully avoiding injury to the ulnar artery and vein which 

 accompany the nerve. 



The nerve being isolated is divided at the upper angle of the 

 wound, and a piece about an inch in length is excised. The wound is 

 cleansed and the skin brought together with a few small sutures. 



Neurectomy, double plantar, median with ulnar or external 

 plantar, often has serious drawbacks. It should be reserved for 

 old-standing chronic affections of the fore limb, and— particularly 



Figs. 510 and 511. — Neurectomy of the ulnar nerve. FE, Flexor metacarpi externus ; 

 FO, flexor metacarpi obliquus ; N, ulnar nerve ; AV, ulnar artery and nerve. 



in dealing with valuable animals — -should not be tried until all other 

 methods of treatment, especially firing, have proved unsuccessful. 



Loss of the hoof, thickening of the subcutis, fracture of the 

 navicular, or os pedis, and degeneration with rupture of the flexor 

 tendons are not uncommon sequelae ; the first most frequently results 

 when there are large exostoses on the front of the joint, near the 

 coronet. Perhaps loss of the hoof is due to the coronary band being 

 bruised between the exostosis and the hoof. To avoid this contretemps, 

 the toe of the hoof should be freely pared, whilst the heels are pre- 

 served. If needful, shoes with thick heels or high calkins are applied. 



