PAET II. 



EeSTEAINT of the HoESE IIT THE EEbUMBEH'T POSTUEE. 



When deciding whether or not it is necessary to cast and 

 secure a horse for operation or other purpose, the surgeon should 

 carefully consider the temperament, the physical condition of the 

 animal, the length of time restraint will he required, the pain- 

 fulness and character of the operation, the part or organ to be 

 invaded, and last, but by no means least, the physical ability 

 and qualification of the operator. As a general proposition it is 

 always advisable to cast and secure animals for painful or long 

 continued major surgical operations. I^ervous, highly bred and 

 vicious animals should be cast and securely confined. When it 

 has been decided to cast the animal we should, first of all, care- 

 fully survey the surroundings and select the most satisfactory 

 location. Of course circumstances and existing conditions play 

 an important role in making our selection. When the weather 

 will permit the operation being performed out of doors, there 

 is no place better adapted than an open field or lawn. It is 

 here that we have ample room to manipulate our restraint 

 technique without interruption. When we have selected the 

 location the next problem which confronts us is the "casting 

 bed." The ideal operating mat or mattress is a plot of green 

 grass grown upon smooth ground. Always avoid the manure 

 heap or the "rotten straw pile" whenever possible. They are 

 both hotbeds of all forms of bacterial growth and are directly 

 responsible for many cases of fatal septic infections. If we are 

 forced to cast an animal inside of doors, then we must make 

 the best of our misfortune and get busy in devising means and 

 methods to best overcome that handicap. Select the place — ^be 

 it hallway, stall or operating room — where the most room is 

 available. Then a proper bed must be prepared. This may be 

 done by the use of tanbark, soft wood shavings, straw, hay, excel- 

 sior, sawdust, etc., or a specially constructed mattress or pad 

 may be used. The next proposition which confronts us is what 

 particular form of hobble or casting harness it is advisable to 



