SURGIUAL OPERA IONS. 267 
ceing relieved from a constant state of suffering by neurotomy, 
improved in health and condition, and was again used to cover. 
It happened, also, that a mare, similarly circumstanced, ceased to 
feel estrum ; but after neurotomy it again returned, and she re- 
sumed her character of a brood-mare. It appears to act with 
most certainty when a portion of the irritated nerve is excised. 
One case has actually occurred where the tetanus, occasioned by 
a wound in the foot, was arrested and removed by neurotomy 
[t also promises much in the painful state of some cankers, where 
the irritation has rendered the application of dressings almost im- 
possible. Here, by depriving the foot of sensibility, we deprive 
the horse of that which is injurious to him. The sore itself is 
often amended by it; but in every instance the dressings can be 
effectively applied, and the healthy processes can not be at all 
euspended. 
With respect to whether the lower or upper incision ought to 
aave the preference, the decision should be guided by the circam- 
stances, as regards the intensity and the seat of the disease. The 
operation commonly leaves, for a considerable time, some enlarge- 
ment around the spot, the effects of the adhesive matter interposed 
between the severed portions of the nerve, and which can be rem- 
edied by no application of bandages. This bulging remains se 
long as life continues; and, however cunningly the incision be 
concealed, this can be felt with ease, and tells the truth ever after 
the operation has been performed. Such a circumstance has, how- 
ever, led some practitioners, when it has been wished to make the 
upper section, and yet to avoid the chance of detection, to cperate 
on the metacarpal nerve on the outside, and on the pastern or 
plantar nerve on the inside. 
Mude of performing the operation.—The situation of the section 
through the skin being determined on, a guide to which may be 
gained from the perforatus tendon, and having firmly secured the 
leg tc be first operated on, cut the hair from the part. This being 
done, and the exact course of the artery being ascertained by its 
pulsation, make a section close to the edge of the flexor tendon. 
Let the cut be near, but rather behind, the artery, if below the fet- 
lock joint. Tue cellular substance being cleared away will bring 
the vessels into view, and the nerve will be readily distinguished 
from them by its whiteness. Elevating it from the vessels and 
its membranous attachments, by means of a crooked needle. armed 
17 
