136 CUNEAN TENOTOMY 



or tenotome, in the form of a stab wound, merely 

 sufficient to afford passage for the blade of the instru- 

 ment, about I cm. below the inferior border of the tendon 

 at a point midway between the anterior and posterior 

 borders of the hock, or slightly anterior thereto. Push the 

 tenotome flatwise between the skin and tendon, as shown in 

 the figure, force it upward to the superior border of the 

 tendon, then turn the cutting edge toward it and elevating 

 the handle, using the superior border of the skin wound as 

 a fulcrum, cut the tendon through from without inward. 

 By firm pressure upon the skin over the tenotome, peri- 

 osteotomy is simultaneously accomplished. The completion 

 of the operation is evidenced by the separation of the cut 

 ends of the tendon leaving a well-marked depression at the 

 point of division. Disinfect the wound, apply an antiseptic 

 pack covered by a tarred bandage resting upon the fetlock 

 and including the hock, and allow to remain undisturbed 

 ior six days. A common, and perhaps better plan, is to 

 follow the tenotomy with point firing, applying a can- 

 tharides-biniodide of mercury blister. Cover with 'dry 

 absorbent cotton and over this a tarred bandage which is 

 allowed to remain eight days. Healing by primary union. 

 After the incision through the skin has been made, the 

 Peters' knife may be used instead of the straight scalpel, 

 and the tendon and periosteum cut through at two or three 

 different points, the cuts diverging upwards from the 

 cutaneous wound, V-shaped. 



