96 DISEASES OF THE HORSE’S FOOT 
The Esmarch bandage is composed of solid rubber, and 
with it the limb is bandaged tightly from below upwards. 
On reaching the knee the tourniquet is stretched round the 
limb, fastened by means of its buckle and strap, and the 
bandage removed. Those who feel they can dispense with 
the bandage use the tourniquet alone. For this purpose 
the form depicted in Fig. 58, and the one in general use 
at the Royal Veterinary College, is more suitable, on account 
Fic, 59.—NEuREcTOMY BiIsTouRY. 
of its wooden block, which may be placed so as to press on 
the main artery of supply. 
Instruments Required.—These should be at hand in an 
earthenware or enamelled iron tray containing just sufficient 
of a 5 per cent. solution of carbolic acid to keep them 
covered. Those that are necessary will be a sharp scalpel, 
or, if preferred, one of the many forms of bistoury devised 
for the purpose (see Fig. 59), a pair of artery forceps, a 
needle ready threaded with silk or gut, one of the patterns 
Fic. 60.—NrurectomMy NEEDLE. 
of neurectomy needle (see Fig. 60), and a pair of blunt- 
pointed scissors curved on the flat. It is also an advantage, 
when once the incision through the skin is made, to employ 
one of the forms of elastic, self-adjusting tenacula (see 
Fig. 61) for keeping the edges of the wound apart while 
searching for the nerve. 
Incision through the Skin.—We remember that the plantar 
nerve of the inner side is in close relation with the internal 
metacarpal artery, and that both, in company with the 
