NEUROTOMY. 



683 



operation is more useful in countries where horses can be worked 

 barefoot tlian in those whose working animals require to be shod. 

 Softening of the back tendons and sloughing off of the hoof are 



Fig. 176. — Greener's Humane Cattle-killer. 



two formidable accidents that may happen as results of neurotomy, 

 and are more liable to follow the high operation than the low 

 one, which is performed below the fetlock. It is commonly sup- 

 posed that these complications are due to the deprivation of 

 nervous influence which the foot has undergone. H. Bouley argues 



Fig- ly?- — Probe -pointed curved scissors. 



against this view, and advances the fact that after this operation, 

 the wound heals in a perfectly healthy manner, and that the 

 secretion of horn does not appear to be injuriously affected in any 

 way. Chauveau divided all the nerves of the limbs without causing 

 any interference with their nutrition. H. Bouley considers that 

 these accidents are due to increased concussion of the hoof .with 



