OPERATIONS WITH ANTISEPTIC PRECAUTIONS. 107 
and then anoint the whole field with the thioform or iodoform 
unguent. 
6th Step:—Untie the animal carefully and prevent, if pos- 
. sible, any particles of the litter from falling upon the region, 
then tie him in a clean compartment. 
_The after treatment consists of keeping him in the standing 
posture without exercise for four days, or even much longer, if 
conditions warrant. If there is no haemorrhage from the sper- 
matic cord, the thioform emulsion will adhere to the exposed 
tissues and perfectly prevent infection, while if considerable 
haemorrhage takes place, it will be washed out and the wound 
will only be aseptic instead of antiseptic. The slight haemor- 
rhage from the scrotum is of no particular consequence, as it 
does not molest the emulsion in the deeper parts, but as the 
antiseptics are thus washed off from the scrotal incision the 
wound will become slightly infected and an oedema of the 
sheath will result. A clear sanguinous serum will discharge 
from the wound and when such secretion lodges upon the legs 
it must be removed with an antiseptic solution. Moderate ex- 
ercise may be given about the fifth or sixth day, and unless 
there appears evidence of failure of the purpose no manual 
examination of the wound should be made. 
Note :—For information regarding thioform, I am indebted 
to Prof. Dr. Hoffmann, Professor of Surgery, at the Royal 
Veterinary High School in Stuttgart, Germany.- L. A. M-J 
NEURECTOMY. 
[Inasmuch as the removal Of a portion of the posterior dig- 
ital nerve isthe only treatment for navicular arthritisthat proves 
at all satisfactory; and as this operation, as usualy performed, 
leaves quite a large cicatrix, which is, a conspicuous advertise- 
nient of the existence of this incurable disease, it is desirable to 
get union of the skin after the operation by first intention, ‘It 
can be done by the observance of the principles of antiseptic . 
surgery and the intelligent use of proper dressings. It is pre- 
ferable to put the horse on an operating table, to avoid the 
dirt and dust of the litter, incidental to casting him; tie the 
