456 OPERATIONS—NEUROTOMY. 
behind. Tie both ends of the thread together, and insert the first finger 
of your left hand into the loop thus formed. By gentle traction raise 
the nerve a little, and with the 
knife release its inferior attach- 
ments. Then let the man who 
held the sponge make pressure 
with all his force upon the 
artery and nerve above the in- 
cision. After this has been 
done about a minute, and by 
the stoppage of the circulation 
you may conclude the sensation 
to be in some degree numbed, 
insert the blade of the knife 
under that portion of the nerve which is nearest the body, and cut 
boldly upward. 
A spasm mostly follows the division; but it is of short duration. 
Afterward dissect about one jnch of the nerve from its attachments, 
and remove this inch from the main trunk. No sign of feeling will 
follow the excision when made lower down. All communication with 
the brain has been cut off by the previous division, and the sensorium 
no longer takes notice of any violence offered to that part of the body 
which has been isolated. 
Next, having sponged the part, close the wound by means of a pin 
forced through the lips of the orifice. Then 
twist a little tow round it in the form of a 
figure of 8. That being finished, so much of 
the point as protrudes is to be removed with a 
pair of wire nippers; a bandage is then put on; 
and, if both sides of the limb are to be neu- 
rotomized, the horse is turned over. All being 
accomplished, return the horse to the stable, 
but watch the pin which fastens the wound. If 
THE BEST WAY To cLosE THE wound the incision continues dry, the pin may not be 
ce EE EES wero’ Hil: ate days have expired; but if the 
slightest appearance of pus be suspected, immediately withdraw the pin, 
and remove the tow, treating the part with solution of chloride of zinc, 
as though it were a common wound. 
There are various knives invented for the performance of neurotomy. 
That the writer most approves of was the invention of Mr. Woodger, 
the admirably practical veterinary surgeon of Bishops Mews, Padding- 
ton. The author has used this instrument himself, and seen it guided 
THE LOOP RAISING THE NERVE WHILE THE KNIFE LOOSENS 
ITS INFERIOR ATTACHMENTS. 
