250 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



step and tread he used before." As an offset to this, he intro- 

 duces several very interesting cases to show the benefits derived 

 from neurotomy, with the accompanying remark, that " he feels 

 convinced that when the subjects for the operation shall have 

 been properly selected, and the fitting time chosen for its per- 

 formance, similar results may be sanguinely and pretty surely 

 anticipated." 



The cases here referred to clearly show that the operation on 

 them was eminently successful. The rule laid down by Mr. P. 

 is, "to operate on no other but the incurably lame horse; and 

 whenever this has been attended to, not only has success been 

 more brilliant, but indemnification from blame or reproach has 

 been assured." 



" To command success in neurotomy, three considerations re- 

 quire attention : — 



"1. The subject must be fit and proper; in particular, the 

 disease for which neurotomy is performed should be suitable in 

 kind, seat, stage, &c. 



" 2. The operation must be skilfully and effectually performed. 



" 3. The use that is made of the patient afterwards should not 

 exceed what his altered condition appears to have fitted him for." 



A number of cases are next alluded to, going to show that "for 

 lameness in the foot, coronet, or pastern, incurable or unrelieved 

 by therapeutic means ; for navicularthritis and its consequences ; 

 for the effects of chronic coronitis and laminitis, barring sunk 

 soles ; for ossified cartilages, for ringbone, for contraction, the 

 operation of neurotomy is especially applicable — nor will prac- 

 titioners who regard their own credit, or that of the operation, 

 feel desirous of extending, for lameness at least, its sphere of 

 ap pliancy." 



Mr. Percivall warns veterinary surgeons against performing 

 the operation when there is any detectable inflammatory action 

 about the foot ; but recommends them, first to subdue by the 

 usual antiphlogistic means, any acute symptoms that may be 

 present ; he urges as a reason, that surgeons never perform (if 

 it can possibly be avoided) an operation on the human subject in 

 an inflamed locality. Another reason might be added for subdu- 

 ing inflammatory action prior to operating ; for after having done 



