100 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 
In this operation a portion of the median nerve is ex- 
cised on the inside of the elbow-joint just below the internal 
condyle of the humerus. Here the nerve runs behind the 
artery, then crosses it, and descends in a slightly forward 
direction behind the ridge formed by the radius. 
The position of the limb most suitable for the opera- 
tion is exactly that we have described as most convenient 
for the plantar excision. The animal is cast, preferably 
anesthetized, and the limb removed from the hobbles, and 
held as far forward as is possible by an assistant with the 
side-line. 
Professor Hobday’s description of the operation is as 
follows : 
‘A bold incision is made through the skin and apon- 
eurotic portion of the pectoralis transversus and panniculus 
muscles, about 1 to 3 inches (depending on the size of the 
horse) below the internal condyle of the humerus, and 
immediately behind the ridge formed by the radius. This 
latter, and the nerve which can be felt passing over the 
elbow-joint, form the chief landmarks. The hemorrhage 
which ensues is principally venous, and is easily controlled 
by the artery forceps. In some cases I have found it of 
advantage to put on a tourniquet below the seat of opera- 
tion, but this is not always advisable, as it distends the 
radial artery. We now have exposed to view the glistening 
white fascia of the arm, which must be incised cautiously 
for about an inch. This will reveal the median nerve itself 
situated upon the red fibres of the flexor metacarpi internus 
muscle. If not fortunate enough to have cut immediately 
over the nerve, it can be readily felt with the finger between 
the belly of the flexor muscle and the radius.’* 
The nerve exposed, the remainder of the operation is 
exactly as that described in removing the portion of the 
nerve in the plantar operation. The wound is sutured and 
suitably dressed, and a fair amount of exercise afterwards 
allowed the patient. 
* Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics, vol. ix., 
p. 181. 
