CHAPTEK I. 

 Hobbles. 



The advent of hobbles as a means of restraint in veterinary 

 practice marked an epoch of beginning advancement in veteri- 

 nary operative technique. The hobbles, as a means of re- 

 straint, have the advantage over any other method in so far 

 as they are light, portable, strong and convenient. They can 

 be quickly applied, the animal cast and secured, with few 

 assistants and little ceremony. An animal can also be released 

 promptly and allowed to regain its feet. The disadvantages 

 of hobbles are the impossibility of securely restraining the 

 patient, liability of accident to patient, and inability to fix the 

 legs in special positions for operations where position plays an 

 important role. There are numerous styles and kinds of hob- 

 bles; some are of course better and more satisfactory than 

 others. In making a selection be sure and not make the mis- 

 take of sacrificing strength for appearance. Be sure the hobbles 

 you use are well made and strong. The application of hobbles 

 should always be preceded by the twitch. An operating hood 

 or some other head protector should be applied before the 

 hobbles are brought into action. There are numerous styles 

 and kinds of hobble straps. They are made of leather, rope, 

 metal, rawhide, webbing, etc. 



Figure 84 represents the improvised 

 rope hobbles of Denenbourg. These are 

 made by taking four heavy metal rings and 

 four pieces of l/2"iiich rope. Fix the rings 

 with the rope by passing it several times 

 around each pastern. For the forelegs the 

 ring should be placed behind the pastern, 

 and for the hind ones the rings should be 

 in front of the pasterns. If metal rings 

 cannot be procured, loops may be made on 



each end of the cord, through which the 

 Improvised Rope Hob- , ^ . ° . 



ble of Denenbourg. castmg rope or cham can pass. Hj usmg 



