AMPUTA TION OF THE TAIL. 95 



the adjacent tissues at either side, sever it by a transverse 

 incision close against the ligature and dissect away the en- 

 tire muscle down to the lower end of the wound and there 

 excise it. Repeat the operation on the opposite side. Make 

 two elongated tampons of absorbent cotton, of the size and 

 form of the muscles removed, saturate these with i-iooo 

 sublimate solution, insert neatly in the wounds and over 

 this to aid in securing antisepsis and to equalize the pressure 

 apply a pad of absorbent cotton, saturated with sublimate 

 solution, covering the wounds and encircling the tail and 

 secure by a moderately firm bandage as closely as possible 

 to the elastic ligature. Remove the ligature, when hemor- 

 rhage may ensue, which is to be controlled by the applica- 

 tion of a second bandage extending higher up on the tail. 

 Remove the bandage in 24 hours and dress as before for a 

 second day after which treat as an open wound. Care should 

 be taken to not apply the bandage too tightly or leave it in 

 place for more than 24 hours, since otherwise necrosis of 

 the tail is liable to occur and necessitate amputation. 



24. AMPUTATION OF THE TAIL. 

 Plate XVI. 



Objects. The treatment of malignant, or incurable dis- 

 eases of the tail. 



Instruments. Elastic bandage, scalpel, razor, artery 

 forceps, bone cutting forceps, suture material. 



Technic. The animal may generally be operated upon 

 in a standing position secured in the stocks or with the aid 

 of the side line. I^ocal anaesthesia may be applied by in- 

 jecting cocaine or other drug deeply upon the nerve trunk 

 as well as just beneath the skin. The animals' attention 

 may be attracted by means of the twitch if found necessary. 

 The point of amputation is determined by the location of 



