DETRUNCATION 181 



54. AMPUTATION AT HUM ERO- RADIAL 

 ARTICULATION 



Object. Amputation at this point is rarely desirable, but 

 may at times be necessary in the mare in order to remove 

 an anterior limb when it is impossible to reach the shoulder 

 on accouut of the position. 



Technic. Attach a cord to the pastern and have an as- 

 sistant render the leg tense by exerting moderate traction, 

 as in the preceding. Introduce the hand armed with the 

 embryotomy knife, carefully concealed in the palm, and 

 girdle the skin around the articulation. Passing above the 

 head of the olecranon on the posterior side, divide the at- 

 tachment of the anconean group of muscles with the knife 

 by cutting from behind forward. Then divide transversely, 

 as far as possible, the muscles and ligaments passing over 

 the articulation. Rotate the limb forcibly on its long axis 

 while strong traction is maintained, and rupture the princi- 

 pal ligaments until the limb is completely detached and 

 comes away. In cases of limited room it may sometimes be 

 easier to detach the skin of the limb from the pastern up 

 to the articulation, as in the preceding chapter, rather than 

 to girdle it. 



55. DETRUNCATION 

 Fig. 70 



Object. In the mare a fetus in the anterior presentation 

 and dorso-sacral position sometimes has one or both poste- 

 rior limbs deviated forward and the feet engaged in or 

 against the pelvis. It may then be necessary, or at least 

 advisable, to divide the trunk of the fetus in order to bring 

 about delivery without serious or fatal injury to the mother. 



Technic. If possible, secure the two hind feet by means 

 of cords, prior to other manipulations. Apply cords to the 



