TENOTOMY 



169 



(fig. 502), which leaves the inner metacarpal nerve at the upper third 

 of the space between the knee or hock, and fetlock, to join the outer at the 

 lower third. If we are about to operate on the hind-leg, the upper cross- 

 strap (Plate LIV) is 

 buckled up tight, thus 

 drawing the upper- 

 most hind-leg as far 

 forward as possible. 

 The foot of the leg to 

 be operated upon is 

 now removed from the 

 hobble; a web halter 

 is placed around the 

 leg above the hock, 

 l)ut below the cross- 

 strap, its free end 

 being held by two 

 assistants, who are to 

 pull, when desired to 

 do so, in a backward 

 direction. It will be 

 seen that this traction 

 will be directly against 

 the cross- straps, which 

 will fix the leg. A 

 similar piece of rope 

 is to be placed around 



the hoof; the heels of the shoe will prevent it from slipping off, and the free 

 nd is to be held by an efficient assistant, who also is to draw steadily when 

 directed. To raise the leg a little it may be placed upon a cushion. The 

 operator is now to place himself so as to be out of personal danger. The 

 two men at the pos- 

 terior rope are to 

 draw firmly and 

 steadily. The assis- 

 tant at the foot rope 



is to flex the foot as the operator directs, who is now to grasp the tendons, 

 which are quite lax, about midway between the hock and fetlock with his left 

 hand, the fingers being placed beneath the tendons and the thumb above 

 them (fig. 515). In this way we can to a slight extent separate one tendon 

 from another, so as to feel distinctly the space between the two. (Varnell.) 



Fig. 513. Tenotomy. Tenotomy knife inserted beneath tendon. Skin 

 cut away to show position of blade beneath tendon. Forceps holding 

 sheath 



Fig. 514. Tenotomy Knife 



