AMPUTATION OF THE TAIL 93 



to the bone and then disarticulate with the aid of the scal- 

 pel. Search for the arteries and control the hemorrhage 

 by torsion or ligation. The vessels will be more readily 

 found by loosening the tourniquet so as to permit the blood 

 to flow. 



Some operators prefer to begin the incision at the side of 

 the tail instead of upon the dorsal surface and in that way 

 have a dorsal and ventral flap instead of right and left as 

 indicated in Fig. 37. The excision having been completed, 

 the flaps are brought together b}' means of strong silk or 

 silk worm gut sutures as shown in Fig. 38. The sutures 

 should be begun at the apex of the two flaps and compara- 

 tively deep. 



Disinfect the stump thoroughly and if the hair is suffi- 

 ciently long it is well to draw it down over the wound, to 

 which an antiseptic covering has been applied, and retain 

 the dressing in position by tying a cord around the hair just 

 beyond the point of amputation. 



26. TTBETHROTOMY. LITHOTOMY. 

 Figs. 39, 40. 



Objects. For the removal of calculi from the bladder or 

 urethra or performing other operations on these parts. 



Instruments. Catheter, convex scalpel, scissors, artery 

 and compression forceps, tenacula, lithotome, lithotomy 

 forceps, lithotrite, absorbent cotton, drainage tube, suture 

 material. 



Technic. Urethrotomy may be performed on horses in 

 the standing position, the hind feet being secured with 

 hobbles. 



It is best however, to operate under anaesthesia with the 

 patient in lateral or dorsal recumbency, either on the 

 operating table or cast, being careful to secure as gently as 



