CUNEAN TENOTOMY 217 



vided the extensor pedis tendon of each leg,' mistaking 

 them for the tendons of the peroneus muscles ; but this 

 accident is little likely to occur to a more intelligent practi- 

 tioner. 



Cu'nean Tenotomy. 



DEFINITION. — Cunean tenotomy is the resection of 

 a portion of the cunean branch of the flexor metatarsi where 

 it winds diagonally over the internal aspect of the tarsus, 

 for the purpose of curing or modifying the lameness of 

 spavin. 



HISTORY. — Cunean tenotomy is the artifice of Peters 

 and Deicherhoff, although others before them suggested 

 and attempted similar operations to cure spavin lameness 

 by different procedures directed towards this tendinous 

 structure. The peculiar relations of the cunean tendon to 

 the exostosis of spavin, led many veterinarians during the 

 past decade toward this interesting anatomical structure in 

 their vain endeavors to ameliorate this refractory lameness. 

 When the operation was first introduced into America about 

 fifteen years ago, too much was claimed for it. Its first 

 victories were heralded with the satisfaction wrought only 

 by great discoveries. It was fabulously claimed by some 

 that a real panacea for this stubborn limp was now at 

 hand, that spavin was now divested of its terror to the 

 veterinary practitioner. It was, however,- judged differently 

 as soon as it was more generally performed at the different 

 •clinics. Today, after sufficient time has elapsed to gather 

 data on its real effects, the operation has lost some of its 

 prestige. Some experienced practitioners have abandoned 

 it entirely, while others, more correctly, still defend it as a 

 satisfactory operation under certain circumstances. It is not 

 now regarded as the cure for spavin lameness ; firing, blister- 

 ing and rest, having by far the most adherents among the 

 best practitioners. The tendency today is toward the ap- 

 plication of the operation after these usual expedients 

 have failed, which is no doubt the proper interpretation of 

 its worth. 



INDICATIONS AND CONTRA INDICATIONS.— 

 Cunean tenotomy has but a single indication— the lameness 

 of spavin. Its proper place in veterinary surgery today is 

 that of a second resort in the treatment of circumscribed 

 spavin. A prominent exostosis, limited in extent, im- 

 plicating only the lower part of the tarsus, is the preferable 

 indication. 



