AMPUTATIONS. 



269 



tation is also a consideratiou of moment. A reference to all the 

 reasons will necessarily prove that of all domesticated animals, 

 the horse is probably the one upon which the operation is least 

 justifiable. If ever to be performed upon him, it can only be upon 

 the lower regions of the leg close to the ground, inasmuch as the 

 shortened leg can still be made useful as an apparatus of support, 

 either directly or indirectly, by artificial means. 



The sum of the matter seems to be embodied in the following 

 general considerations pertaining to the question of the amputa- 

 tion of the limbs of our domestic animals : 



1st. In Dogs it is indicated in diseases of both bones and soft 

 parts, as in comminuted fractures, complicated with contused 

 wounds of the skin or other soft strictures ; in old caries, com- 

 plicated with suppurative arthritis ; in osteo-sarcoma ; in the 

 crushing of muscular tissues around bones and their complete 

 separation ; in extensive gangrene, as that resulting from the ap- 

 plication of too tight a bandage ; in chronic suppurative articular 

 disease ; in sloughs of soft tissues surrounding the exposed bones ; 

 and in deep cancerous affections. 



2d. In Ovines. — Indications are offered, as in dogs, in com- 

 minuted fractures, with lacerations of soft tissues, and more com- 

 monly in complicated phalangeal arthritis. 



3d, In Bovines. — The same conditions exist as in the smaller 

 ruminants. 



ith. In Equines. — Amputation is indicated as a means of 

 saving an animal for breeding purposes ; in complicated fractures 

 of the cannon bone, or of the phalanges ; in gangrene of the digital 

 organs; extensive abscesses of the same region, with softening of 

 tendons, and in suppurative arthi-itis. It is also sometimes per- 

 formed for the removal of a supplementary limb. 



5th. In Birds. — The amputation of a wing or even of a leg 

 can be performed, either to prevent flight, or to relieve a diseased 

 jDrocess of the limb. 



But in all cases it should be performed upon healthy tissues, 

 above the seat of the disease, and at the greatest, possible distance 

 from the trunk. 



The number of cases on record is not large, and they are prin- 

 cipally reported in European veterinary journals. In these we 

 find a case of amputation at the hock in a ewe, by Chabert ; in a 

 cow at the knee, by Chaumontel; in an ox of one of the toes, by 



