136 FISTULA AND POLL-EVIL 
with the tumor forcep as soon as the incision 
is made. 
2. Performing the operation without delay. 
3. Packing the wound with an even pres- 
sure with oakum securely retained with su- 
tures. 
4. Avoiding harsh handling until at least 
forty-eight hours have elapsed. 
Paralysis—We have had animals become 
entirely paralyzed after poll-evil operations, 
due to having attempted to cure incurable 
cases already having nervous complications, 
but aside from those it is always possible, when 
due care is not taken to properly attend to such 
a large wound adjacent to the neural canal, 
for the inflammatory process to invade through 
the muscles covering the atlanto-axoid space 
and produce trouble that did not previously 
exist. Then again, undue pressure of a lumpy 
hemostatic pack is always a hazard. By avoid- 
ing operations on subjects exhibiting a wabbly 
gait, carefully packing the wound and then 
properly caring for it afterward there is little 
danger from this complication. 
Slough of the Distal Stump of the Liga- 
ment Nuchae.—Failure of the wound to heal 
at the posterior commissure is due always to 
a slough of the stump of the ligament. Some- 
times the slough is small and at other times it 
