SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 257 



being lelieved from a constant state of suffering by neurotomy, 

 improved in health and condition, and was again used to cover. 

 It happened, also, that a mare, similarly circumstanced, ceased to 

 feel oestrum ; but after neurotomy it again returned, and she re- 

 sumed her character of a brood-mare. It appears to act with 

 most certainty when a portion of the irritated nerve is excised. 

 One case has actually occurred where the tetanus, occasioned by 

 a wound in the foot, was arrested and removed by neurotomy. 

 It also promises much in the painful state of some cankers, where 

 the irritation has rendered the application of dressings almost im- 

 possible. Here, by depriving the foot of sensibility, we deprive 

 the horse of that which is injurious to him. The sore itself is 

 often amended by it; but in every instance the dressings can be 

 effectively applied, and the healthy processes can not be at all 

 suspended. 



AVith respect to whether the lower or upper incision ought to 

 have the preference, the decision should be guided by the circum- 

 stances, as regards the intensify and the seat of the disease. The 

 operation commonly leaves, for a considerable time, some enlarge- 

 ment around the spot, the effects of the adhesive matter interposed 

 between the severed portions of the nerve, and which can be rem- 

 edied by no application of bandages. This bulging remains so 

 long as life continues; and, however cunningly the incision be 

 concealed, this can be felt with ease, and tells the truth ever after 

 the operation has been performed. Such a circumstance has, how- 

 ever, led some practitioners, when it has been wished to make the 

 upper section, and yet to avoid the chance of detection, to operate 

 on the metacarpal nerve on the outside, and on the pastern or 

 plantar nerve on the inside. 



Mode of performing the operation. — The situation of the section 

 through the skin being determined on, a guide to which may be 

 gained from the perforatus tendon, and having firmly secured the 

 leg to be first operated on, cut the hair from the part. This being 

 done, and the exact course of the artery being ascertained by its 

 pulsation, make a section close to the edge of the flexor tendon. 

 Let the cut be near, but rather behind, the artery, if below the fet- 

 lock joint. Tlie cellular substance being cleared away will bring 

 the vessels into view, and the nerve will be readily distinguished 

 from them by its whiteness. Elevating it from the vessels and 

 it.s membranous attachments, by means of a crooked needle, armed 

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