PERIOSTEOTOMY IN SPAVIN. 



100; 



one square inch, the surface washed with soap, rinsed with sublimate 

 or carbolic solution, and the other antiseptic precautions, such as 

 cleansing the hands, placing the instruments in carbolic solution, 

 &c, complied with. By means of a probe-pointed bistoury or scalpel, 

 an incision, at right angles to the long axis of the limb, and about 

 half an inch in length, is then made through the skin and fascia at 

 the disinfected spot, a pair of curved scissors are introduced through 

 the opening as far as the joint between the blades, and the skin 

 divided from underlying tissues in the form of a " V," the instrument 

 being first thrust forward, then backward, severing the subcutis. 

 The slightly-curved knife (Fig. 537, a) is next in- 

 troduced into the front pocket of skin, the cutting 

 edge directed backwards to avoid injuring the vena 

 saphena. As soon as it has entered up to the 

 handle, the cutting edge is directed towards the 

 joint, and the back pressed with the fingers of the 

 left hand, while, by gently rocking the instrument, 

 it is made to penetrate the bones of the joint. 

 The same process is repeated in the posterior 

 pocket of skin, the sharp edge of the knife, how- 

 ever, being directed forwards. After wiping away 

 the small amount of blood which escapes from the 

 wound, the surface is rinsed with a disinfectant, 

 and an antiseptic dressing applied. The bandage 

 should be carried down as far as the fetlock, so as 

 to obtain a firm hold. The horse is then allowed 

 to rise, and is placed in the stable. If, during the 

 next few days, the bandage become soaked with 

 blood, it should be renewed, otherwise it is left in 

 position for six to eight days, when the skin wound 

 will be found to have closed. 



By the exercise of moderate care in operating, 

 pus formation can be avoided ; and even should it 

 occur, it seldom entails grave consequences, for, on account of the 

 flat position of the knife while making the incision, there is a little 

 danger of opening the joint, and thus producing arthritis. 



The horse must be rested for at least four to six weeks after 

 operation, and during this time movement, as far as possible, avoided. 

 Some operators even recommend fastening the animal up short to 

 prevent it lying down. 



Moller discovered by experiment that both the inner tendon 

 of the flexor metatarsi and the periosteum of the cuneiform bones 



a b 



Fir,. 537 — Perios- 

 teotomy knives. 



