122 



VETERINARY SURGICAL OPERATIONS 



artistic effect is seldom ever obtained in the recumbent posi- 

 tion. 



TECHNIQUE.— First Step.— Preparing the Field.— Al- 

 though it is not customary with most practitioners, disinfec- 

 tion of the surgical field is as necessary before firing as be- 

 fore any other surgical operation, in fact more so, because of 

 the severe and extensive inflammation it provokes in the skin 

 and underlying tissues. Sloughing of the skin, acute cel- 

 lulitis, chronic cellulitis, laminitis, and even fatal septicaemia 

 and tetanus, are among the complications traceable to un- 

 cleanly methods of firing. A too severe or too deep burning 

 is often blamed for sequelae caused only by septic infections. 

 These two evils combined are especially to be avoided. 



Fig. 77— Restraint for Firing Hind Legs. 



The skin over the surface to be fired and a liberal area 

 above and below, is closely clipped, well brushed out and then 

 washed with a soapy antiseptic water. This step may pre- 

 cede the operation several hours to # allow the hairs to dry 

 thoroughly; otherwise the surface must be dried with the 

 rub-cloths. 



Second Step. — Firing. — In line-firing the irons are heated 

 to a cherry-red, and when brought out of the fire the detritus 

 on their surface and edges is filed off with a worn out file. 

 The edge must always be rid of projecting particles which, 

 when cooling, will cut keenly into the skin and often cause 

 an annoying bleeding as well as a prominent indelible 

 scar at the point cut through. The lines are drawn almost at 



