250 VETERINARY STATE BOARD 



above the flexure of the hock, opposite the external margin of the 

 extensor pedis muscle, make an incision, 5 to 6 cm. long, through 

 the sHn and underlying aponeurosis. Separate this muscle, first 

 from the tendinous, then from the muscular portion of the flexor 

 metatarsi, on the anterior side of the margin of which the anterior 

 tibial nerve is seen. Pass an aneurism needle underneath it and 

 remove a piece, 3 to 4 cm. long. Close the cutaneous wound with 

 interrupted sutures and apply a collodion dressing. 



Describe posterior tibial neurectomy. 



Operate on the standing animal with local anaesthesia, side-line 

 and twitch. Operating table with general ansesthesia is better. 

 Shave and disinfect an area, 10 cm. above the top of the os calcis 

 and 2 cm. in front of the tendon Achilles, on the median side. Make 

 an incision about 5 cm. long parallel to the above-mentioned ten- 

 don, through the skin. Ascertain, by palpation, the exact location 

 of the nerve and cut through the fascia over it, exposing the nerve. 

 Separate it from the surrounding tissues and remove a piece, 3 cm. 

 long. Suture the cutaneous wound and apply an antiseptic bandage. 

 Healing by first intention should follow. 



Diseases of the Foot 



Mention ten diseases of the foot and specify those met with most fre- 

 quently. 

 Ring-bone, side-bone, navicular disease, laminitis, pododermatitis 

 (including corns), and quittor are more frequently met with. Less 

 commonly, we see keraphyllocele, contracted sole, quarter crack 

 and canker. 



What are the symptoms of fracture of the navicular bone ? Give prog- 

 nosis and treatment. 



Symptoms : Foot continually rested and held in excessive volar 

 flexion. Extreme pain is shown when the coronet joint is passively 

 extended. Later, an inflammatory swelling occurs in the hoUow of 

 the heel. 



Prognosis: Unfavorable. Chrome lameness is very likely to 

 follow. 



Treatment : Complete rest is essential. Apply cold compresses. 

 Resection of the flexor pedis perf orans and removal of the os navi- 

 culare may be attempted. As this operation is occasionally per- 

 formed in case of penetrating street-nail, it would seem permissible 

 in this condition. 



