328 VETERINARY SURGICAL OPERATIONS 



usefulness, which is the best argument used in their favor, 

 is always much greater than after- the simple operations. 

 True, the foot- subjected to Bayer's operation is externally 

 healed, often at the end of forty days, but ninety days, one 

 hundred and twenty days and sometimes six to eight months 

 often elapse while the patient's total or at least partial dis- 

 ability continues; and not infrequently, in the end, it is found 

 necessary to perform neurotomy to banish the tenacious 

 claudication. 



The simple operations sometimes, though rarely, require 

 six months to effect a cure, but the hoof comes out of the 

 ordeal sounder and without the annoying lameness that so 

 often supervenes the radical methods, and compared as 

 regards untoward, sequelse the simple methods are found 

 much safer. The chief argument, however, in favor of the 

 conservative operations, is the fact that some quittors are 

 cured by them in twenty to thirty days, many in forty to 

 sixty days, and indeed few require more than ninety days, 

 and often with little evidence of their previous existence 

 remaining. 



RESTRAINT. — Lateral recumbent position and plantar 

 cocainization is the best restraint. The operating table is 

 by far the most satisfactory apparatus, as the foot can be 

 kept cleaner, and besides admitting of better immobilization 

 it is in a more comfortable position for the operator. 



INSTRUMENTS, ETC.— 



1. Sca'pel and dissecting forceps. 



2. Small curved probe-pointed bistoury and a probe. 



3. Curette. 



4. Hoof knife. 



5. Flexible metallic probe. 



6. Tourniquet. 



7. Bandages. 



8. Antiseptics. 



HiEMOSTASIS. — The rubber tourniquet applied to the 

 upper third of the metacarpus is an absolute necessity. It 

 must be so adjusted as to perfectly prevent bleeding. To 

 prevent post-operative bleeding, packing and bandaging is 

 depended upon. 



ANTISEPSIS. — Removing the shoe, trimming the horn 

 smooth throughout, scrubbing and antiseptic washing must 

 not be omitted. The hair about the coronet on the affected 

 side is clipped and shaved or removed with a depilatory, and 

 aseptic instruments only should be used. 



TECHNIQUE.— First Step.— Searching the Depths and 



