74 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



afforded by operative interference can only be temporary. 

 With the benign varieties, a certain prognosis can be given 

 that they will not recur if completely removed. 



In doubtful cases, though, the aid of the microscope, or, 

 better still, the opinion of an expert pathologist, should be 

 sought. 



Whatever the variety, the principles of removal by sur- 

 gical methods are the same. In those which have a distinct 

 pedicle, a ligature of silk, catgut, horsehair, or some such 

 material, may be tied lirmly around this part, and the tumour 

 removed at once with a sharp knife, or the ligature may be 

 allowed to remain on for two or three days before removal. 

 Many lipomas and papillomas can be removed in this way. 



Fig. 46. — Ecraseur (Farmer Miles' Pattern). 



In some cases resort is made to the actual cautery and clamp, 

 or the ecraseur may be used. When the latter instrument 

 is employed, the skin should iirst be cut through, as, if it be 

 left, the traction on this caused by the chain or wire gives 

 excessive pain unless an anaesthetic is used, and in addition 

 damages the edges somewhat severely. 



In removing large tumours, the hair over the line of 

 incision is removed by shaving, the parts being thoroughly 

 cleansed and \\'ashed with some antiseptic (see p. 2), and 

 an incision made over what is thought to be the most con- 

 venient part. Cutaneous haemorrhage is arrested by the 

 application of artery forceps (for which purpose the Spencer 

 Wells or bulldog patterns are the most convenient), and 

 the skin carefully dissected off around the growth, the latter 

 being raised by a tumour hook or by passing a needle and 



