OPERA.TIONS ON THE FOOT 97 



internal metacarpal vein, run down the limb in close prox- 

 imity with the inner border of the flexor tendons. Also, 

 we remember that the external plantar nerve has no atten- 

 dant artery, although, like its fellow, it is to be found in 

 close touch with the edge of the flexor tendons. 



Bearing these landmarks in mind, we feel for the nerve 

 in the hollow just above the fetlock- joint by noting the 

 pulsations of the artery, and determining the edge of the 

 flexor tendons. This done, a clean incision is made 

 with the bistoury or the scalpel in the direction of the 

 vessels. The incision should be made firmly and decisively, 

 so that the skin may be cleanly penetrated with one clear 

 cut. If judiciously made, little else in the shape of dissec- 

 tion will be needed. 



It is now that the double tenaculum (Fig. 61) is applied. 



Fict. 61. — Double Tenaculu 



One clip is fixed to the anterior edge of the wound, and 

 the other carried beneath the limb and made to grasp the 

 posterior edge. If found desirable to keep the edges of the 

 wound apart, and no tenaculum to hand, the same end may 

 be accomplished by means of a needle and silk. In like 

 manner as is the tenaculum, the silk is attached to one 

 edge of the wound, carried under the limb, and firmly 

 secured to the other. 



Having made the incision, the wound should be wiped 

 free from blood by means of a pledget of cotton-wool 

 previously soaked in a carbolic acid solution and squeezed 

 dry. At the bottom of the wound will now be seen the 

 glistening white sheath, containing the vein, artery, and 

 nerve. This should be picked up with the forceps, and a 

 further incision made with the bistoury. Care should be 

 exercised in making this second incision, or the artery may 



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