37G WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT 



between swinging doors, or being tramped on. It may also be caused 

 from fracture of the tail or from malformations. Occasionally it may 

 be the seat of a diffuse swelling as a result of phlegmons or from septi- 

 caemia from the wound of the end of the tail becoming infected. In such 

 cases, however, it is best to make a series of longitudinal incisions in the 

 tail where the swelling is greatest and allow the serum to escape and at 

 the same time give an energetic course of antiseptic applications and 

 if these measures do not succeed, then we have to resort to amputation. 

 Amputation of the tail is also performed in pointers to shorten the tail 

 and prevent them from getting the tail sore going through brush and 

 lacerating the end. And lastly certain breeds of dogs have their tails 

 amputated when young as a matter of fashion. 



When local applications do not have the desired effect and the tail 



Fig. 121. — Amputation of the tail (circular operation). 



becomes gradually worse or the vertebra becomes necrosed the only 

 means left is to amputate the affected part. 



The operation is a form of exarticulation. An amputation between 

 two of the vertebrae is much better than cutting through one of the bones. 

 The operator must distinguish the slightly enlarged portion (Fig. 121) 

 where the articulation lies. Put the animal under ether or give a hypo- 

 dermic injection of morphine or a subcutaneous one of cocaine; have tied 

 an elastic band around the tail above the point of operation, then proceed 

 by means of the flap or round operation, whichever is preferred. As the 

 vessels bleed slightly they can easily be stopped by means of a thermo- 

 cautery. The circular operation, cutting posterior to the bony pro- 

 tuberances of the articulation; pull the skin back, cutting through the 

 muscles and tendons just below the articulation; then, with the help of 

 an assistant, pull up the tissues and cut between the cartilaginous discs. 

 Then bandage the tail as shown in Fig. 120. In cases in older dogs 

 where there is much hemorrhage the artery may be taken up by means 

 of a catgut ligature or touched with the thermo-cautery. The edges of 



