362 



SUllGTCAL OPEKATIONS. 



It consists In cutting out a, portion of the metacarpal or 

 pastern nerves on each side. The portion cut out, he directs, 

 should be one inch or more. I have generally performed the 

 operation above the fetlock (see the Plate), In order to destroy 

 the sensibility of the foot entirely ; but am Inclined to think 

 that the lower opei'atlon Is preferaMe ; and this, I believe. Is the 

 opinion of Mr. Colman and Mr. Scwell.* 



This plate of the Nerve Operation shows the situation of the section both in the 

 upper and lower operation on the inside of the leg. The skin is held back by 

 hooks, in order to display the parts, and for the same purpose more of the cel- 

 lular membrane is removed than is necessary in the operation. 



Upper Section. 



a, A probe passed under the nerve. 



b, The nerve. 



c, The artery. 



d, The back sinews, or flexor tendons. 



Lower Section. 



a. The nerve. 



b. The artery. 



c. The vein. 



d. A branch of the nerve between the 

 vein and artery, not divided in the 

 low operation. 



is exercised afterwards ; and although it is vilified by a few veterinary sur- 

 geons, and often condemned by the ignorant as a cruel and barbarous opera- 

 tion inflicted on a dumb creature, yet I, for my own part, having fairly tested 

 its merits, must regard it as one of the most merciful and humane operations 

 that surgical science has ever invented for the relief of suffering quadrupeds." 

 — Spoone7' on the Foot, ^x. 



* There are two situations for the operation of neurotomy, the high and 

 the low, the former being above the fetlock, and the latter just below or upon 

 it. Each of tlicse situations is attended with peculiar advantages and dis- 

 advantages, the nature of which it is well to understand. It must be borne 

 in miiid'that each metacarpal nerve, just above the fetlock joint, gives off an 



