296 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



seen that the nerve is on the inside of the foot, as it 

 approaches the fetlock and passes over the pastern, 

 where it branches off above the fetlock. The prolon- 

 o-ation of the nerve below the fetlock is extended 

 principally to the quarters and hinder part of the foot, 

 for the purpose of supplying it with feeling. Before 

 operating for neurotomy, the seat of the disease which 

 causes pain must be ascertained. The artery, vein, 

 and nerve lie close together, and run in the same 

 direction ; the vein is next to the fore part of the leg, 

 then the artery, and the nerve behind. Before com- 

 mencing the operation, the horse is cast and properly 

 secured. Then remove the limb to be operated on 

 from the hobbles. The hair must be shaved from the 

 part. The skin is then cut through with great caution 

 for an inch and a half in length, which will expose the 

 vessels above referred to, and the nerve will be dis- 

 tinguished as occupying the position above pointed 

 out, as well as from its whiteness. Pass a crooked 

 needle with a silk thread under it, raise it a small 

 degree, and then dissect it from the cellular tissue 

 beneath : and when fairly felt, cut out about a quarter 

 of an inch of it, making the first incision above, and 

 the second cut will not be felt by the animal at all. 

 The same must be performed on either side of the foot, 

 as the nerves proceed down both sides. The sides of 

 the wound are now brought together and secured by a 

 bandage. The head must then be tied up for a day or 

 two. In less than a fortnight the horse will be fit for 

 work. 



The operation of cutting the nerve may also prove 

 of service for ring-bone, where the side cartilages 

 become ossified, with partial stiffness of the pastern 

 and cofiin joints. They will be more liable to recover 

 their usual action in consequence of the animal using 



