330 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



tumors; they were then dissected from their sub-cellular and mus- 

 cular attachments. The blood vessels cut during the operation 

 being merely sub-cutaneous ramifications, it was not thought neces- 

 sary to employ ligatures ; and the horse lost but a trifling amount 

 of blood. The wound having been cleansed with cold water, its 

 edges were brought together by interrupted sutures, and finely 

 dressed with compound tincture of myrrh. The horse was shortly 

 wards led to his stable. 



Description of the Tumors and their Location. — The first was 

 of an ovoid form, measuring seventeen inches around its short 

 diameter, by seven inches in length, and weighed four pounds. 

 On making a straight incision through its centre, it presented a 

 black, pitchy appearance, and was composed of a somewhat dense, 

 fibrous body, containing within its meshes a thick fluid, resem- 

 bling coal tar, which left a black stain on the scalpel and fingers, 

 easily removed, however, by water. This tumor was situated on 

 the off side, in the "posterior inferior" region of the shoulder 

 blade. 



The second tumor was of a similar form and character, and 

 occupied the space immediately below the former ; it weighed a 

 trifle over one pound. The large tumor was firmly imbedded in 

 cellular tissue, and also had a slight attachment to the common 

 integument — its base being united to the intercostal muscles. 



Subsequent Treatment. — The wound made by the incision had 

 done well up to the fifth day ; when, probably in consequence of 

 an itching sensation, which usually attends the restoration of dis- 

 eased parts, the animal's attention was directed thitherward, and 

 for the relief of which he commenced rubbing himself against the 

 stall : this manoeuvre was, no doubt, rather pleasant than other- 

 wise; his owner, however, happening to look in about this 

 time, put a stop to it, and rewarded our patient with a dressing. 

 He was then secured to the middle of a wide stall, by means of a 

 halter on each side, and left for the night; during which he broke 

 loose, and by means of his teeth tore out every stitch, and laid 

 the wound fairly open. Next morning it presented a frightful 

 looking chasm, from which was issuing a mixture of blood, pus, 

 and serum very profuse and somewhat fetid ; yet notwithstand- 

 ing this interruption of the healing process, the horse is so far 



