AMPUTATIONS. 



267 



the alleged pm-pose of improving the appearance of the animal, 

 and are performed upon parts of only secondary and accessory 

 functional importance, and which may be removed almost with im- 

 punity, as the ears, the tail or the horns. 



In the second class, the subject is brought under the general 

 laws governing diseases and remedies, and they are practiced only 

 as it becomes necessary by the existence of diseased conditions in 

 important organs, such as the penis, the tongue and the locomotory 

 organs. In this class the serious nature of the operation must be 

 measured by the importance of the function fulfilled by the organ 

 implicated. 



The instruments necessary for the operation are amputating 

 knives, similar to those used in human surgery, or more commonly 

 those belonging to our veterinary work, a strong, convex bistoury, 



Figs. 286, 287.— Amputating Knives. 



;.— Amputating Saw. 



which is generaUy sufficient, an amputating saw, means of tem- 

 porary hemostasis, cord, an elastic band or ligature, needles, 

 sutures and artery and dissecting forceps. 



For dressings, baUs and pads of oakum of various sizes, com- 

 presses and antiseptic washes are needed. 



In the present chapter we shaU limit our consideration to the 

 amputation of the legs, the horns and the ears. 



