100 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT. 



In this operation a portion of the median nerve is ex- 

 cised on the inside of the elbow-joint just below the internal 

 condyle of the humerus. Here the nerve runs behind the 

 artery, then crosses it, and descends in a slightly forward 

 direction behind the ridge formed by the radius. 



The position of the limb most suitable for the opera- 

 tion is exactly that we have described as most convenient 

 for the plantar excision- The animal is cast, preferably 

 anaesthetized, and the limb removed from the hobbles, and 

 heldj as far forward as is possible by an assistant with the 

 side-line. 



Professor Hobday's description of the operation is as 

 follows : 



'A bold incision is made through the skin and apon- 

 eurotic portion of the pectoralis transversus and panniculus 

 muscles, about 1 to 3 inches (depending on the size of the 

 horse) below the internal condyle of the humerus, and 

 immediately behind the ridge formed by the radius. This 

 latter, and the nerve which can be felt passing over the 

 elbow-joint, form the chief landmarks. The haemorrhage 

 which ensues is principally venous, and is easily controlled 

 by the artery forceps. In some cases I have found it of 

 advantage to put on a tourniquet below the seat of opera- 

 tion, but this is not always advisable, as it distends the 

 radial artery. We now have exposed to view the glistening 

 white fascia of the arm, which must be incised cautiously 

 for about an inch. This will reveal the median nerve itself 

 situated upon the red fibres of the flexor metacarpi internus 

 muscle. If not fortunate enough to have cut immediately 

 over the nerve, it can be readily felt with the finger between 

 the belly of the flexor muscle and the radius.' * 



The nerve exposed, the remainder of the operation is 

 exactly as that described in removing the portion of the 

 nerve in the plantar operation. The wound is sutured and 

 suitably dressed, and a fair amount of exercise afterwards 

 allowed the patient. 



* Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics, vol. ix., 

 p. 181. 



