CHAPTER IV. 



STOCKS. 



With some operators the stocks are a favorite apparatus for 

 restraint of the horse in the standing posture. Other opera- 

 tors, equally as competent and experienced, are severe in their 

 condemnation of the stocks as a means of restraint. In my 

 opinion there are good reasons for both of these conflicting 

 opinions. Some animals cannot and should not be confined in 

 the stocks ; some operations cannot and should not be attempted 

 with the stocks as the only means of restraint. Some forms of 

 stocks are worse than worthless, while other models are very 

 desirable. Properly constructed stocks are safe and sane ad- 

 juncts to any veterinary operating room. AVe must all admit 

 that accidents to the operator and patient do sometimes occur 

 whenever and wherever stocks are used ; but on the other hand, 

 we are forced to admit that accidents sometimes occur to the 

 operator and the patient when any of the other methods of 

 restraint are used. The knee straj), side line, hobbles, casting 

 harness and operating table all have their objections, l^one of 

 them afford us perfect means of restraint. Accidents some- 

 times occur when using all or any one of them. Admitting 

 that the above in regard to other means of restraint is true, 

 then how can any one be justified in severely condemning the 

 stocks. The stocks afford a quick and easy means of restraint. 

 Without hesitation an animal is placed in the stocks ; they are 

 labor savers, time savers, and by utilizing the stock one assistant 

 can successfully confine or restrain a patient for many minor 

 and even some major operations. 



The Barcus Stochs. 



The Barcus stocks. Figure 61, is the product of an unique 

 and original idea of restraint in the standing posture. It is 

 especially useful in shoeing and operations on the soles of the 

 feet. The frame of this stock is triangular in shape, which ren- 

 ders it exceedingly strong. The two sides of the frame (f) (e) 



