188 AMPUTATION OF THE LIMBS AT THE TARSUS 



57. AMPUTATION OF THE LIMBS AT THE TARSUS 



FIG. 72 



Object. In the mare and cow, when the fetus presents 

 posteriorly with the hind limbs retained at the hocks, it is 

 sometimes impossible or imprudent to correct the deviation- 

 This is especially true when the fetus is dead and emphyse m- 

 atous. In these cases it is sometimes easier for the ob- 

 stetrist, and safer for the mother, to amputate the limb at the 

 tarsus. 



Technic. Pass a cord around the leg above the tarsus as 

 indicated in Fig. 72, and have an assistant hold the leg 

 steady by gentle traction. Introduce the chisel, carefully 

 guarded in the palm of the hand, and place it against the 

 lower part of the tarsus as shown between T, T. The 

 chisel should be placed as nearly as possible perpendicular 

 to the long axis of the metatarsus. The proper direction 

 of the chisel may at times be greatly favored by placing the 

 cord upon the metatarsus instead of the tibia, thus forcing 

 the tarsus toward the sacrum of the mother and tending to 

 throw the metatarsus straight across the pelvic cavity. 

 When the fetus is in the dorso-sacral position and it is de" 

 sired to amputate the left limb, the chisel should be held 

 in the palm of the left hand with its dorsal surface against 

 the vaginal walls and the instrument carefully guarded and 

 guided during the entire operation. The amputation should 

 preferably be through the lower section of the tarsus but 

 may be made through the head of the metatarsus. Do not 

 drive the chisel entirely through the hock without removal 

 as it may become caught and clamped between the divided 

 bones, but drive for a few inches along the lateral side, being 

 sure that the skin at that point is severed along with the 

 bone, then loosen the chisel by rotation and lateral motion 

 and drive somewhat deeper into the tarsus until it is com- 

 pletely severed. Withdraw the severed metatarsus, re- 



