204 



Veterinary StJrgiCal operations 



deformity of the hind leg is generally due to the sesamoidi- 

 tis, but as in the fore limb, it may sometimes be due to 

 lesions along the plantar aspect of the digital region. Spavin 

 and exostoses about the head of the great suspensory liga- 

 ment are also occasionally causative (Fig. in). 



In the selection of a suitable case for tenotomy, the char- 

 acter of the primary lesion deserves first consideration. It 

 may be impossible to correct the deformity, even after the 

 tendons are cut, or the great force required may inflict seri- 

 ous injury to the diseased structures. Before operating, 



Fig. Ill — An Extreme Case of Chronic Plantar Flexion from Goneitis. 



there must always be some certainty that reposition of the 

 deformed articulation will not be prevented by confirmed 

 ankylosis or adhesions. 



When the initial lesion is in the navicular bursa, division 

 of both the perforans and perforatus tendons may always 

 be depended upon to correct the deformed fetlock. Some- 

 times division of the perforans alone is sufficient. But there 

 is no assurance that the cure will be permanent, because 

 the pain at the seat of the initial lesion may cause a recur- 

 rence of the* contraction, after the tendons have again re- 

 united. The operation to correct the deformity must, there- 



