220 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
the same for old tumors of the mouth, of the nasal cavities, for those of 
the testicle, the anus or the rectum. For a greater reason, when the 
tumor is already more or less generalized, when the patient is weak, in a 
cachectic condition, interference is forbidden, as not only would the 
operation be a failure, but it would accelerate the progress of the 
disease. 
Interference is also to be forbidden when the neoplasm, located in 
some regions, has extended far into the subcutaneous layers. In sluts and 
female cats, ulcerated mammary tumors are found which have invaded the 
entire thickness of the abdominal wall, and whose removal could not be 
performed without removing a large portion of this wall. 
Then, again, there are tumors which, though circumscribed and of small 
extent and depth, and not involving the lymphatics, do not justify. ex- 
tirpation: these noi me tangere recidivate immediately, develop more 
rapidly, and are endowed with a more marked infecting power than pre- 
vious to the interference. The seat of the neoplasm sometimes imposes 
abstention from operation; animals affected with malignant tumors of 
‘tthe mouth, of the sinuses, the larynx, the cesophagus, or the rectum 
must not be operated on. The prognosis is sometimes aggravated by the 
age, and by some morbid conditions (albuminuria, cardiac affections, 
diabetes). 
Once decided upon, the operation must be performed with all anti- 
septic care. If the tumor is ulcerated, it should be disinfected with a 
strong solution of chloride of zinc, the suppurating surface should be 
curetted as well as the fistulous tracts, if they exist. For ablation, the 
bistoury will be preferred ; it is better than any other instrument, because 
it will permit a total and methodical excision. The large blood vessels 
should be obliterated with forceps and ligatures, and the hemorrhages 
of capillaries should be arrested with actual cauterization. Ih dangerous 
parts, a careful dissection will allow one to avoid the arteries, veins and 
important nerve branches yet unaltered. With some tumors, enucleation 
with the blunt probe or the finger is advantageous where connective layers 
exist. No neoplastic nucleus should be allowed to remain; all invaded 
lymphatic glands or vessels should be taken off. 
Excise all that is morbid, all that seems diseased; remove the im- 
mediately surrounding layer, which is often affected with neoplastic ele- 
ments to a depth, at times, a centimeter thick, and only stop when sound 
tissue is reached. Such is the rule, which must be strictly observed. In 
leaving a suspicious cutaneous fragment, or a piece of doubtfui tissue, re- 
lapse is to be feared. After carefully cleaning the wound and com-: 
pleting the hemostasis with actual cautery, it should be dusted with 
iodoform, or a mixture of tannin and iodoform, its edges brought together 
