MfeDlAN NEUROTOMY 17? 



wounded in the course of the operation, but this accident is 

 much less liable to occur, because the artery is readily rec- 

 ognized, has thicker coats and is more remote from the 

 nerve. When it does occur ligation is the only remedy, 

 otherwise fatal bleeding will rapidly ensue. Animals survive 



ligation of this artery. The accident occurred to Dr. 



of Chicago several years ago. The accident was successfully 

 met and the patient, after a very long period of conva- 

 lescence, made an incomplete recovery. The accident was 

 survived well enough, but the nerve was not divided and, of 

 course, the lameness continued. 



CEdema of the leg due to pressure of the swelling upon 

 the radial veins, or to septic infection, sometimes appears 

 threatening several days after median neurotomy has been 

 performed, the wound being an open one, but serious blood- 

 poisoning seldom follows. Gross carelessness in operating 

 may, however, be followed by serious complications because 

 of the nature of the wound. The operation must be a clean 

 one. 



Pruritus of the Fetlock. — Itching of the internal surface 

 of the fetlock occurs with great frequency during the second 

 and third week of convalescence. It is manifested by an in- 

 clination to first lick and then to gnaw that region until the 

 skin bleeds and becomes the seat of a large sore that refuses 

 to heal. This remarkable sequel is undoubtedly due to the 

 irritation of the nerve stump at the seat of operation. ■ It 

 might be compared to the cold or painful foot the human 

 often complains of after a leg has been amputated. This 

 sequel is serious on account of the great difficulty of healing 

 the wound caused by the gnawing. It may require months 

 to heal the wound. The sequel must be prevented by the 

 prompt application of a protecting bandage to the fetlock or 

 by tying the patient short, as soon as the tendency to lick 

 the region appears. 



Breaking down of the ligaments and tendons, and shed- 

 ding of the hoof does not occur after median neurotomy as 

 frequently as after the high plantar operation, because no 

 whole portion of the leg is entirely unnerved. But these ac- 

 cidents sometimes follow, especially in the region of the in- 

 ferior sesamoidean ligaments. The hoof may sometimes 

 threaten to loosen and then heal up without falling off. 

 Occasionally it is shed entirely, as after plantar neurotomy. 

 These sequelas are prevented by avoiding the operation in 

 the treatment of new, acute or serious inflammations 

 whether tendinous, ligamentous, synovial or osseous. 



