78 FISTULA AND POLL-EVIL 
muscles as when the subject is tied in ropes and 
rolled into the ventral position. 
Instruments Required.—A good strong and 
well sharpened scalpel; a probe pointed 
bistoury, two large tumor forceps, an assort- 
ment of hemostats, a drainage tube inserter, 
a perforated rubber drainage hose, a large 
needle threaded with strong material. There 
will be needed in addition to the usual basins 
for antiseptics, a separate basin containing an 
abundance of oakum, which is to be used for 
packing the cavity immediately after the op- 
eration has been completed. We use clean 
oakum soaked in a strong solution of mercuric 
chlorid for this purpose and with this we place 
the threaded needle to prevent its thread from 
becoming entangled among the instruments 
while operating. 
A yard of muslin or burlap will also be 
needed to cover the withers as a protection 
against soiling after the patient is returned to 
the stable. 
Technic-—Standing on the side of the 
patient now rolled in the ventral position, 
facing toward its head, the operator plunges 
the scalpel deeply into the middle of the neck 
at a point varying from six inches to twelve 
inches in front of the crest of the withers, and 
then draws it backward as far as the crest—the 
