866 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



inflamed parts. In long-standing cases, with considerable 

 disorganisation of bones and joints, amputation may be 



Fig. 70.— Method of applying dressings between hoofs. (Armatage.) 



performed, for the patient will thrive better after removal 

 of the diseased organ, and the case cannot otherwise be 

 cured. Either one digit may be removed at the pas- 

 tern, or both may be simultaneously amputated at the 

 fetlock, or through the metacarpal region. 



The operation is performed by casting the animal and 

 freeing the diseased limb. A tourniquet, consisting of a 

 band passing round the centre of the metacarpal region, 

 with pads on the inner side, tightened by passage of a 

 bar through it and twisting, is used to restrain haemor- 

 rhage. This must be brought into use just before the 

 operation is commenced. Either disarticulation or ampu- 

 tation through the bone is then performed with the fol- 

 lowing precautions : to leave a good flap or flaps of skin 

 to cover the exposed surface, and to ligature all the larger 

 arteries. Then the wound is closed by approximation of 

 the flaps, and maintained by sutures, the ends of the arterial 

 ligatures being allowed to hang free. The stump must be 

 protected with tow and a bandage. The operation may pre- 

 ferably be performed with antiseptic precautions. The 

 animal will favour the limb thus operated upon, and will 

 be able to make shift with the others, and may be pro- 

 vided with such a wooden leg as described by Mr. Litt, 

 of Shrewsbury, in ' Veterinary Journal,' vol. iv, p. 241 . 

 This operation has become thoroughly established in vete- 

 rinary practice. 



With regard to the diagnosis of this disease, it is said to 

 be sometimes confounded with foot-and-mouth disease. 

 The latter, when neglected, degenerates into " foul ^' of an 



