SECONDAKY EFFECTS. 1G9 



of the cauterization. The patient will of com-se requu-e perma- 

 nent and absolute rest for a few days, or until the serosity and 

 the scabs have dried, but after that he may be allowed the liberty 

 of a box-stall, or of the j)asture, without interfering with the 

 necessary oversight of his condition and progress. There are 

 cases where moderate walking exercise could not be otherwise 

 than beneficial in its effect upon the final result. 



Though, as we have said, the application of greasy medica- 

 ments may not be recommended, yet, as a substitute or alterna- 

 tive, bhstering ointments may be used to supplement too light a 

 firing. It is, in fact, not rare to find it necessary to follow the 

 firing with a severe bhstering after the scabs of the first operation 

 have fallen off. If this is done, however, it must not be until the 

 more active effects have diminished, and the inflammation has 

 subsided. 



It may sometimes become necessary to solve the j)roblem of 

 the duty of the veterinarian in cases where an animal requires the 

 treatment of the cautery on two places on one leg, or on two legs, 

 or perhaps on the entire four. 



Humane feehng alone ought to furnish a sufficient guide in 

 this matter, '^^^len the operation is not only in itself so excep- 

 tionally painful diu-ing its performance, but is followed by further 

 suffering arising from the necessity of protecting the animal 

 against himself, it shovdd be considered sufficient to inflict the 

 firings singly, and after the first infliction to repeat the torture 

 only after a respite of several days. On this point we differ from 

 the opinion expressed by some Em^opean writers, and cannot dis- 

 cover the alleged benefit to be derived from any extra dispatch, 

 in the absence of any urgent reason for considering it to be im- 

 perative. Our conviction is strong that one firing ought not to 

 foUow another until the immediate effects of the first have sub- 

 sided, and the animal has had several days to recuj)erate from the 

 great strain he has been compelled to endui-e. 



The apj^Hcation of transcurrent cauterization is very often in- 

 dicated in sohpeds, and we borrow from Bouley a list of the ordin- 

 ary lesions for which it is most frequently emj^loyed. 



A. — Eegions of the ExTREivnTiES. Coronet. — Indicated against 

 ringbones, circular periostitis following phalangeal arthritis, or 

 deep penetrating wound of the foot ; exostosis following fractm-es. 

 Apphed in lines, parallel to the axis of the bone ; not too near to- 



