164 FIRIIn'G. — DIEECTION OF THE LINES. 



enjoyed by the animal ; and secondly, from the increased 

 vascular action set up within tissues prcTiously enfeebled. 

 E,est alone has been known to effect a similar result ; but it 

 neither does it so speedily nor so effectually as when associated 

 with firing. 



DiEECTioiS' OF THE LiNEs. — The direction in which the 

 lines should be cauterized upon the skin is another matter for 

 consideration. It is desirable at all times to blemish the 

 patient as little as possible, especially if we can avoid doing so 

 without performing the operation less effectually. As a 

 general rule, the lines should be scored across the hair ; by 

 this means the hair, if not destroyed in its growth from the 

 operation, will grow over the lines, and thus hide them as far 

 as practicable. Side Bones and Bing Bones should be fired in 

 lines parallel to the top of the hoof ; a sprained flexor tendon 

 in lines across the limb ; while in Spavin, if this rule be adhered 

 to, the operator will require to vary the lines according to the 

 variation in the direction of the hair. The rule now laid down 

 cannot, however, be adhered to upon every occasion ; as some- 

 times in firing it is the best to burn one deep line and leave it 

 to heal, in which case it is generally necessary to cut the line to 

 the utmost length it can be taken over the part affected. 



Depth of the Lijtes. — With regard to the depth the lines 

 should be burnt, no positive rule can be laid down. Some time 

 ago this question was debated by veterinary surgeons with 

 great warmth ; one party contending that very deep firing was 

 alone worthy of consideration and practice, while a second 

 party contended that very deep lesions were barbarous and 

 unnecessary, and advocated the lines to be of moderate depth. 

 It is a question, however, which cannot be settled exclusively 



