248 VETERINARY STATE BOARD 



upward between the skin and tendon, to the superior border of the 

 latter. Turn the cutting edge against the tendon and by firm 

 pressure cut through the same. A well-marked depression between 

 the cut ends can be detected when the operation is complete. Dis- 

 infect the wound and apply an antiseptic bandage. Healing by first 

 intention should follow. 



Object : Relief of spavin lameness and as an adjunct to peroneal 

 tenotomy for string-halt. 



State the object of peroneal tenotomy. Describe the operation. 



Object : For the relief of string-halt. 



Shave and disinfect a small area just below the hock on the 

 outer side, where the peroneal tendon is almost subcutaneous, and 

 about 6 cm. above its point of union with the tendon of the extensor 

 pedis longus muscle. Hold up the opposite hind limb with a side- 

 line and apply a twitch to the nose. Stretch the skin tightly, insert 

 the tenotome through the skin and underlying fascia, push it under 

 the tendon, turn the cutting edge against the same and sever it as 

 well as the fascia through to the skin. An antiseptic bandage should 

 be applied and left in position for eight days. The cutaneous 

 wound should heal by first intention. A rest of one to two weeks 

 is usually demanded, although some operators claim the best results 

 to follow immediate exercise. 



Mention the various forms of spavin and give the treatment of each. 



1. Arthritis chronica deformans tarsi (bone spavin). 

 Produce anchylosis of the joint by prolonged rest for six weeks 



or longer, in connection with deep point firing and blistering. 

 Cunean tenotomy, as described in preceding answer, is used by 

 some, periosteotomy by others. Whichever method is used, the 

 benefits which follow are due to the anchylosis brought about princi- 

 pally through the enforced rest. As a last resort, anterior and 

 posterior tibial neurectomy may be employed. Shoe with raised 

 heels and shortened toe. 



2. Bog-spavin (excessive distention of the capsule of the true 

 hock joint, due to chronic synovitis). 



Recent cases are treated by cold applications and later by blister- 

 ing. Massage and repeated painting with tincture of iodine may 

 diminish the swelling. Extensive swelling may be reduced by the 

 actual cautery. This condition seldom causes lameness and is best 

 left alone. 



3. "Blood-spavin," formerly classified as a variety of spavin, is 

 no longer recognized as such. It is simply a distention of the saphena 



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