80 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 



well. One of the most convenient methods of using the 

 side-line for securing the hind-foot is depicted in Figs. 40 

 and 41. 



Here the side-line has formed upon it a loop sufficiently 

 large to form a collar. This is placed round the animal's 

 neck, the free end of the line run round the pastern of the 

 desired foot, and the foot drawn forward, as in Fig. 40. 



The loose end of the line is then twisted once or twice 

 round the tight portion, and finally given to an assistant to 

 hold (see Fig. 41). The foot is thus held from the ground, 

 and violent kicking movements prevented. 



Where the operation is a major one, restraint of a dis- 

 tinctly more forcible nature becomes imperative. Many of 



Fig. 42.— Casting Hobbles. 



the more serious operations can most advantageously be 

 performed with the patient secured in some form or other 

 of stock or trevis, and the foot suitably fixed. It is not 

 the good fortune of every veterinary surgeon, however, to 

 be the lucky possessor of one of these useful aids to suc- 

 cessful operating. Perforce, he must fall back on casting 

 with the hobbles (Fig. 42). 



With the use of these we will assume our readers to be 

 conversant, and will imagine the animal to be already cast. 

 It remains, then, but to detail the most suitable means for 

 firmly fixing the foot to be operated on. 



Here the side-line is again brought into use. Care should 

 previously have been taken when casting to throw the 



