NEUROTOMY. 



801 



divided nerve, which will show considerable tenderness; and when 

 this happens to be struck in driving, it gives the horse so much 

 pain as to cause him to go lame for a short tiuie. 



The division of the nerve causes intense but momentary pain, 

 like an electric shock, and the horse's 

 strue'o-linof at the moment must be at- 

 tended to ; but as soon as this passes otf 

 the pain of the operation is over. The 

 inferior portion of the nerve is then to 

 be laid hold of by the forceps, and 

 from half to three-quarters of an inch 

 cut out. The edges of the skin should 

 next be drawn too-ether with one 

 stitch in the middle, and the operation 

 performed on the opposite side in the 

 same manner. Next, apply a cold, 

 wet bandage; give a dose of physic. 

 About the fourth or fifth day the 

 stitches may slough out, leaving the 

 wound open ; but this need not cause 

 any anxiety. Keep the horse quiet 

 about two weeks, when he may be 

 turned to pasture or put to slow 

 work. 



It has been found that simply sev- 

 ering the nerve will remove the lame- 

 ness for a few weeks, Avhen it will 

 again unite and lea\e the foot as 

 sensitive as it was before; and that 

 by removing a small portion of it, 

 three-eighths of an inch or so, it ^\•ili 

 unite in the course of a few months ; 

 but th(! cure in most cases is made 

 permanent. When it is desired ti) 

 destroy this sensil lility, or so that the 

 nerve cannot grow sufficiently to again unite, from three-([uar- 

 ters of an inch to an inch is removed. Of course care should 

 bo taken not to work the horse violenth' iunuediateiv after (he 



51 



Fig. 703, — Showing uervc, 

 and vein. 

 «, a. Nerve; e. Vein; v. 



artery, 



Artery. 



