AND HIS DISEASES. 203 



It is gratifying to know that the veterinary profession may 

 be said to have given this operation to surgery, — and even 

 the far-famed Professor Lizars gladly took lessons and direc- 

 tions from the distinguished principal of the Veterinary Col- 

 lege in the treatment of talipes or clubfoot. It is only 

 applicable to cases in which we have no anchylosis of the 

 joints. 



The horse being cast and properly secured, the leg is taken 

 out of the hobbles and a rope attached to the foot, which is 

 held by assistants. A longitudinal incision is made about an 

 inch in length a little in front of the tendons and below any 

 point of thickening that may exist. A common small bladed 

 scalpel, or the curved tenotomy knife, is passed in, care being 

 taken to avoid the artery vein and nerve, and the tendons 

 are divided ; the skin behind must not be cut, as the ends of 

 the tendon may protrude, giving rise to fungus growths. 

 The foot should now be easily brought into its natural posi- 

 tion — if not, some force should be used to bring it back "by 

 placing the knee against the front or projecting part of it, 

 at the same time laying hold of the foot with one hand and 

 the upper part of the leg with the other, and using consider- 

 able force." This is sometimes necessary to break up adhe- 

 sions which may have formed. A stitch or two should be put 

 in the wound, and a thick woollen bandage kept constantly wet 

 with cold water should be applied for some days. If much 

 inflammation ensue, a poultice should be applied and some 

 purgative medicine given. If the fetlock descends too much, 

 the heels should be raised. If adhesions take place during 

 recovery, a tipped shoe should be put on the foot. In from 

 two to three months he will be fit for work. 



