QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 245 



parallel to and directly over the nerve, cutting through the skin 

 and connective tissue, exposing the nerve. Separate the nerve from 

 the adjacent tissues and excise a section 3 to 5 cm. long. Suture 

 the wound and cover with bandage. Healing should occur by first 

 intention. Repeat the operation on the opposite side. 



Name three diseases for the relief of which plantar neurectomy is 

 indicated. 

 Navicular disease, ring-bone and side-bone. 



Describe the relations of the artery, vein, nerve and tendon in the 

 region of the ergot at the seat of plantar neurectomy. 

 From before backward, vein, artery, nerve and tendon. The 

 nerve lies close to the external margin of the tendon. 



State your opinion regarding the use of the actual cautery in the relief 

 of equine lameness. 

 The direct results which are attributed to the use of the actual 

 cautery, e.g., strengthening tendons by the formation of cica- 

 tricial tissue, etc., are considerably overrated. The benefits are 

 usually derived, indirectly, from the enforced rest following its use. 

 Nevertheless, the actual cautery is a very valuable therapeutic agent. 

 Puncture-firing augments local nutritive activity, converting chronic 

 into acute processes and thus hastens their termination. Firing 

 operations necessitate protracted rest and cause more or less im- 

 mobility of the defective organs, both of which ^re of great benefit 

 in bringing about a cure. 



Diseases of the Hind Limb 



Name the various conditions listed under the category of " hip lame- 

 ness." Give the diagnostic symptoms and the treatment 

 of hip lameness. | 



1, coxitis ; 2, rupture of the ligamentum teres ; 3, disease of the 

 lumbar vertebra, pelvic bones and femur ; 4, disease of the muscles 

 of the hip region ; 5, disease of the tendon and tendon bursa of the 

 gluteus medius muscle (trochanteric lameness) ; 6, inflammation in 

 the structures surrounding the hip-joint ; 7, lameness due to fracture 

 or other disease of the external angle of the ilium is often erroneously 

 referred to as hip lameness. 



Symptoms: Swinging-leg lameness; difficulty in advancing the 

 limb ; dragging of the toe. In coxitis, there is supporting-leg lame- 

 ness, not so in the muscular forms. Lameness is marked in turning 

 or backing. Muscular atrophy is noted in cases of long duration. 



