CUNEAN TENOTOMY. 125 



pedis lougiis muscle extends inferiorly to near the point of 

 juncture of the two tendons ; the sheath of the lateral ex- 

 tensor ends below 3 to 4 cm. above the point of union. In 

 the middle of this .space without a .sheath, which is 3 to 4 

 cm. long, and below the annular ligament of the hock the 

 operation is carried out. After the skin has been shaved 

 and disinfected, confine in the stocks or operate upon the 

 standing horse, with the aid of local anaesthesia, a twitch 

 being applied to the nose and the opposite hind foot held up 

 with the side-line. The tendon of the lateral extensor is 

 easily felt under the skin as a hard cord about .7 to i 

 cm. in diameter. Stretch the .skin and with the back of 

 the hand toward the hock grasp the tendon with the thumb 

 and index finger of one hand, insert the tenotome with the 

 cutting edge toward the foot perpendicularly upon the tendon 

 through the skin, subcutem and aponeurosis derived from the 

 crural fascia ; push it from before backward under the tendon, 

 turn the cutting edge against it, and with the hock extended 

 sever the tendon as well as the fascia through to the skin. 

 In accomplishing the .section of the tendon the knife is to be 

 Uised as a lever of the finst cla.ss with the anterior border of the 

 metatarsus acting as a fulcrum. If the tendon has been 

 completely severed its retracted ends may be felt under the 

 skin I to 2 cm. above and below the wound. After the op- 

 eration an antiseptic bandage is applied, resting upon the 

 fetlock. The bandage should remain eight days and the 

 cutaneous wound heal bv first intentioil. 



34. CUNEAN TENOTOMY. 

 Pl,ATE XIX. 



Objects. The relief of spavin lameness and as an adjunct 

 to peroneal tenotomy for stringhalt. 



Instruments. Razor, sci.ssors, straight scalpel. 



Technic. Most horses can be operated on standing, with 

 the aid of cocaine, otherwise ca.st, or .secure on the operating 



