CAUDAL MYOTOMY. 307 



this assertion. When disease of the bones exists, the indication 

 is to promote the exfoliation of the necrosed parts by free open- 

 ings, antiseptic dressings, and, if necessary, caustic injections. 

 Anchylosis of the vertebras is a common sequel of this compUoa- 

 tion. 



4th. Abscesses. — These suppurative collections are not uncom- 

 mon, especially in animals having peculiar idiosyncrasies, as in 

 cases of strangles. They may extend to the root of the tail, 

 around the anus, or any part of the hind legs even to the rectal 

 region. They require treatment similar to that of all analgous 

 gatherings. 



5th. Anal Fistul<M. -This accident occurs when the first in- 

 cision is made so near to the anus that it enables the pus, when 

 it forms, to filtrate between the skin and the rectum into the pel- 

 vic cavity, and is a condition which can be relieved only by giving 

 free exit to the collected suppuration. 



6th. Tetanus. — This termination can, in many instances, be 

 avoided by antiseptic measures during and after the operation. 



7th. The introduction of air into the veins is also mentioned 

 by Loiset and Brogniez, but in our opinion there is no more reason 

 to expect its occurrence in this than in any other operation. 



8th. Exaggerated Elevation of the Tail. — This is one of the 

 most common of aU the sequelae met with. In this case the tail, 

 instead of being carried horizontally and hanging gracefully, is, 

 on the contrary, either elevated vertically, or even laid back on 

 the croup. This is not precisely due to improper manipulations 

 during the operation, but is rather the result of the appUcation of 

 too heavy a weight and an excessive amount of traction while the 

 animal is in pulleys. The most effectual way of avoiding this un- 

 pleasant incident is to watch closely the progress of the cicatri- 

 zation by taking the patient out for exercise and watching the 

 manner in which he carries his tail, and then increasing or di- 

 minishing the weight on the pulley, and shortening or lengthen- 

 ing the period of its use. 



Operation for Abnormal Deviation of the Tail. — This is in- 

 dicated where there is a lateral curvature of the tail, and the 

 animal carries it sidewise, whether it be a congenital habit or 

 occurs as one of the complications of pricking ; and also when he 

 carries it in an excessively elevated position. In these cases 

 myotomy is performed, according to the requirements, either on 



