268 operations on bones. 



Amputation of Members or Limbs. 



The amputation of the Hmbs of animals is a matter of much 

 less importance than a similar mutilation would be in human sur- 

 gery, and its occurrence is relatively much less frequent, being 

 necessarily limited by the exclusion of that large class of subjects 

 whose usefulness would necessarily be lost by the total impaii-ment 

 of their organs of locomotion, thus rendered unfit for their work, 

 and even when it is indicated for animals designed for food con- 

 sumption, the question becoming pertinent whether it would not 

 be wiser and more profitable, in a large majority of cases, as it 

 would unquestionably be more humane, to deliver them at once to 

 the butcher, before subjecting them to a painful mutilation which 

 must necessarily more or less impair their condition, and therefore 

 materially diminish their market value. 



As a matter of fact, it is principally upon dogs that, in ordinary 

 circumstances, the veterinarian is called to operate in this manner, 

 as even in his mutilated condition, he may continue to be able to 

 fulfil many of his duties as one of the domestic animals. But still 

 there are circumstances in respect to animals other than the dog, 

 under which the operation may be indicated and rationally prac- 

 ticed, as when the life of a valuable animal is to be saved on account 

 of his desirable qualities as a breeder, and which may not be dis- 

 abled from his special function by the lack of a limb. A valuable 

 ram or bull, a high-bred ewe or cow, or perhaps also a mare or a 

 stallion, may, for such a reason, become proper subjects for an 

 amputation. 



But even under these conditions, other considerations of impor- 

 tance must not be overlooked, and whether it is a fore or a hind 

 leg which must be sacrificed, will be a point of great weight to be 

 considered in deciding for or against the operation. A female 

 with only three legs may yet carry a foetus to term, and be fat- 

 tened and put in good condition before being sold for meat, or 

 may possibly be covered by a male ; but it would be impossible 

 for the stalUon or the bull, deprived of one of his hind quarters, to 

 mount and keep the raised position a sufficient time to complete 

 the act of copulation. 



Animals of small size and weight, being more supple and active 

 in their movements, suffer least from the loss of one of their limbs. 

 The distance from the mass of the body to the seat of the ampu- 



