\ 
104 DISEASES OF THE HORSE’S FOOT | 
general appearance was that of granulation tissue, contain- | 
ing capillary vessels, which were fairly plentiful, and com- 
paratively large in size.’* 
Chronic Gidema of the Leg.—In some cases there is a 
distinct swelling of the leg some time after the operation. 
This exposes the limb to the infliction of sores from striking 
with the opposite foot, with, of course, the difficulty in 
healing we have just described. 
Persistent Pruritus.—This annoying sequel occurs in the 
neurectomized limb, with or without gelatinous degenera- 
tion, and appears to be without a remedy. The itching in 
some cases is so intense as to lead the animal to constantly 
gnaw at the top of the foot. As one observer has remarked, 
the animal may begin literally biting pieces out of his limb. 
The result of the irritation and gnawing is fatal. Great 
sloughing of the parts takes place, and the animal has 
eventually to be slaughtered. 
Fracture of the Bones.—The sudden loss of sensation in a 
foot may cause the animal to use violently the limb he has 
for months past been carefully nursing. It may be that 
the lameness for which the operation has been performed 
has been due to disease existing in the navicular bone, and 
extending, perhaps, to the os pedis. By the disease the 
bone has already been made brittle, its substance and 
ligamentous attachments perchance weakened and broken 
up by a slow-spreading caries, and rarefaction of the 
remaining bone substance rendered almost certain. In this 
instance, the free use of the foot, and the application to 
the diseased structures of an unwonted pressure immediately 
after the operation results in fracture. With the rupture 
of the structures we get the elevated toe and soft swelling 
in the heel, as described in gelatinous degeneration. 
Treatment, of course, is out of the question. 
Neuroma.—A further sequel is the appearance at the seat 
of the operation of what is termed an ‘ amputational 
neuroma.’ This is a tumour-like growth occurring on the 
end of the divided nerve. It is composed of connective- 
* Veterinary Record, vol. iv., p. 886 (Hobday). 
