212 



PRINCIPLES OF VETERINARY SURGERY 



hind legs can be well flexed upon the pelvis and v\rell parted 

 to perfectly expose the region. 



From the standpoint of the surgeon's personal safety, 

 the ropes compare favorably with the table. There is some 

 danger of a kick while buckling the hopples, and some slight 

 danger while they are being released, but otherwise the 

 method cannot be regarded as a hazardous one, especially 



Fig. 23. 

 Miles' Casting Ropes. Horse Ready to Cast. 



when the usual precautions are taken against the kicks 

 and strikes of a vicious horse. 



As regards the patient's safety and comfort, the ropes 

 cannot compare with the operating table. The accidents of 

 surgical restraint are ten to one in favor of the table, or even 

 more. Such terrible accidents as fractures of the vertebrae 

 of old horses, or fracture of the femur of the young, rickety 



