320 



OPERATIONS ON MUSCLES AND THEIR ANNEXES. 



possibility of good results. According to 

 their peculiar working arrangements, slowly 

 increased extension might be maintained' 

 or the leg might be- steadily retained in a 

 given position, or with the power of regu- 

 lated motion, the result being an important 

 and permanent imjjrovement in the value 

 and comfort of the animal. 



The accidents which may be apprehend- 

 ed in connection with plantar tenotomy are 

 hemorrhage and loounds of nerves, or of 

 the skin, or of the synovial sacs ; an exag- 

 geration of the extension, and a return of 

 the original deformity. To these Peuch 

 and Toussaint add gangrene. 



(a) Hemorrhage, both arterial or vein- 

 FiG. 336. Q^^g -Q^^ ^iiis may be avoided by careful 



attention to the rules laid down for the operation, and if it should 

 occur, hemostatis by pressure must be resorted to, and the band- 

 age can be safely removed, or at least the jDressure diminished, in 

 from twelve to twenty-four hours. 



(b) Wounds of JVerves. — These cannot very well be avoided, 

 and while they are manifested by severe struggles of the animal 

 at the moment of their occurrence, they involve no dangei' other 

 than those pertaining to similar injuries in other regions, \dz.: the 

 temj)orary suspension of the sensorial functions. 



(c) Wounds of the Skin. — These are among the comparatively 

 severe complications, and when they occur, they destroy all the 

 advantages which properly accompany the operation as a subcu- 

 taneous process. They are likely to complicate the operation with 

 fungoid growths uj)on the stumps of the tendons, abundant sujv 

 pui-ation, ugly cicatrices, etc., and should therefore be specially 

 guarded against. 



(d) Wounds of the Tendinous JBursm. — These may be attrib- 

 uted to an improper selection of the place where the punctui-e 

 should be made, and may be recognized by the flow of synovial 

 fluid from the wound. Suppurative synovitis may then complicate 

 the case with fatal effect. The treatment they require is that 

 directed for oj)en synovial tumors. Local applications, rest, pres ■ 

 sure, counter irritation, blisters and firing are the indications. 



