19^ AMPUTATION OF THE CLAWS OF RUMINANTS. 



dense fibrous bands. The flexor pedis tendon is united to 

 this by a few bundles of fibres. Dissect the tendon carefully 

 away from the capsular ligament, avoiding opening the 

 articulation, and beyond from the semi-lunar crest of the os 

 pedis. If necrotic or discolored pieces of the fatty cushion 

 or the tendon still remain, remove these with scissors, scalpel 

 or curette. With the latter, currette the roughened cartilage 

 of the navicular bone and remove any necrotic or inflamed, 

 softened portions. In extensive necrosis of the suspensory 

 ligaments of the heel and of the ligaments extending from 

 the fetlock joint to the lateral cartilages, the necrotic por- 

 tions as well as the neighboring fatty cushion with its 

 numerous elastic fibres, must be resected. In case of fistula 

 extending along the tendon and opening above in the heel, 

 draw through it a large strip of gauze thoroughly saturated 

 with tincture of iodine and allow it to remain. Disinfect 

 the operation wound, irrigate with iodoform ether and tam- 

 ponade it with dry iodoform gauze. Over this apply a 

 firm pad of oakum saturated with i-iooo sublimate, enclose 

 the entire hoof up to the fetlock in oakum and apply over 

 this a bandage. Over this appl)- a tar bandage and remove 

 the elastic ligature. In the absence of fever the bandage 

 remains in position for 8 to 12 days. 



45. AMPUTATION OF THE CLAWS OF RUMINANTS. 

 Plate xxxiv. 



Uses. The cure of "foul in the foot" or panaritium 

 when complicated with suppurative arthritis or osteitis. 



Instruments. Half round rasp, double-edged sage knife, 

 scissors, convex scalpel, artery forceps, drawing knife, 

 elastic ligature. 



Technic. Cast the animal and secure the foot to be 

 operated upon in an extended position, apply the elastic 

 ligature after disinfecting the claws with soap, water, brush 



