THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 43^ 



How to do it. — Pass an extremely narrow-bladed knife through the 

 skin half an inch below the swelling, and cany the point carefully up 

 over it, dividing the periosteum or membrane. Then cover with a wet 

 bandage, or put in a setou. 



A better way is first to make a snip above and below the tumor with a 

 pair of roweling scissors. Then with a blunt seton needle fixed in a 

 hollow handle by means of a screw, and armed with a tape knotted at 

 the end, force it in at the lower snip and carry it up and out at the other, 

 breaking down the cellular tissue of the tumor. A probe-pointed knife 

 is then introduced slicing the tumor. The knife is withdrawn, and the 

 needle, released from the handle, is passed in at one opening and out of 

 the other, the end withdrawn from the needle and thus the seton is 

 fixed. The operation should be performed by a surgeon. The first 

 operation, simply cutting through the periosteum, is altogether the better 

 course. 



V. Neurotomy. 



This is the division of the nerve of the hoof in navicular disease whea 

 other means fail. It will give relief from pain, but it is no cure, and 

 generally the disease goes on advancing until the animal becomes worth- 

 less. We should never advise the operation upon an animal with a weak 

 hoof. The operation must of necessity be performed by a competent 

 surgeon who understands the anatomy of the foot and leg. 



VI. Division of the Tendons. 



There are some disabilities, as bad cases of knuckling over, carrying 

 the tail awry, or only the toe of the hind leg may be able to be put to 

 the ground, from contraction of the perforans tendon. Relief is obtained 

 by division of the tendons, but it should always be done under the advio* 

 of and by a competent surgeon and with proper instrumente. 



