RESECTION, ABLATION, AMPUTATION 35 



that progresses in both directions from the initial injury. 

 Frost bites in cold climates and preventive inoculations of 

 black-leg vaccines have been known to cause formidable gan- 

 grenes of the tails of oxen. In these events, amputations 

 are indicated. 



The tail of the dog is sometimes accidentally crushed be- 

 yond repair from treads of large animals, and sometimes a 

 load of buck-shot accidentally or intentionally fired may ter- 

 minate in an extensive necrosis, requiring amputation. 



Again, it is a prevailing custom in many countries to am- 

 putate the tails of coach horses, hackneys, hunters, draft 

 stallions, and even draft show-horses, for no other reason 

 than that of satisfying a well founded caprice over which the 

 veterinarian has little control. 



The tails of dogs of certain breeds, notably fox-terriers, 

 Ayersdale terriers, bull-dogs, and some spaniels, are like- 

 wise sacrificed by fanciers to satisfy an unexplainable whim 

 that does not originate in the veterinary profession. 



The tails of the sheep are invariably amputated in nearly 

 every sheep-raising community. But in this species it is 

 justified by the fact that it prevents the accumulation of feces 

 and burrs on the wool of the tail, and that the tail of sheep 

 is of no possible service. 



The tongue of the horse is occasionally amputated when 

 its extremity is gangrenous from bit pressure, from lacera- 

 tion, from the accidental or malicious application of a rubber 

 band over its end, or from frost-bites sustained by the tongue- 

 loller. Amputation of the tongue is also recommended as a 

 last resort in the treatment of incurable habitual tongue- 

 lolling. 



Actinomycosis of the tongue of the ox (wooden tongue) 

 although seldom ever recognized until too late, and although 

 often located in an impossible position near the base, some- 

 times furnishes an operable case. 



The penis of the horse, ox and dog, afflicted with malig- 

 nant growths, frost-bites, paraphymosis and stricture of the 

 urethra, gives the veterinarian innumerable occasions to am- 

 putate this organ. The horse is most frequently afflicted 

 with these conditions. 



The concha of dogs of certain breeds is customarily am- 

 putated on the demand of fanciers. Bull terriers, Boston 

 terriers, Great Danes and bull dogs are the ones usually 

 selected for this torture. 



EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE.— Resections, abla- 

 tions and amputations all constitute such special operations 



