488 
DIVISION OF BOTH FLEXOR TENDONS OF THE 
HIND LEGS IN A COB GELDING. 
By R. Read, M.R.C.V.S . , Crediton. 
TENOTOMY, or the operation of dividing tendons, is often done 
by surgeons and veterinary surgeons, with considerable benefit to 
both classes of patients. A cob horse, the property of Mr. Lee, 
was taken to my infirmary on the 10th of June last to have the 
operation performed. He came walking into the yard on the front 
part of the hoof of both hind feet, with the soles or bottoms of the 
feet turned up in a perpendicular line. It being a fair case for the 
operation, I advised the owner to have both back sinews divided, to 
which he consented. On the following day the operation was 
performed on the off hind leg, by making an incision on the inside 
so as to expose the tendon : a bistoury introduced under it soon 
enabled me to divide it. The wound was brought together by a 
few sutures, and then a bandage applied over the same from the 
fetlock to the knee. On being released from the hobbles he got 
up, and walked immediately flat and firm on the sole of the foot 
into the loose box. The horse was in good condition. In about 
an hour after the operation a full dose of aloes was given, with 
the abstraction of five quarts of blood — the leg and the bandage 
to be frequently wetted with cold water every day. In about 
fourteen days afterwards the bandage was removed; a little 
bloody serum issued out, and fungous flesh from the edges of 
the wound sprouted : a little compound alum powder was 
sprinkled over it, and the bandage again applied with moderate 
pressure. All went on well, and the incision was completely 
healed in less than five weeks. Seven weeks from the first 
operation having elapsed, I considered I might venture on the 
second ; accordingly the operation was performed, but in this last 
performance I took the hint of Mr. Liston, and made a small 
incision only [ vide Lancet], and find it is as easily done as with 
the larger incision. On the horse being set free he walked as 
firmly on his foot as he did after the first operation. The leg was 
bandaged, and cold water applied frequently every day, and a 
dose of physic given and blood abstracted. On taking off the 
bandages in about fourteen days, I was pleased to find the 
incision had completely healed by the first intention. It is now 
nearly sixteen years since I began the operation, but this is the 
only case in which I had union by the first intention. 1 deem it 
always advisable not to disturb the bandages for the purpose of 
applying dressings, but keep the part quiet. Many horses 
deemed useless may be rendered valuable by this operation ; but 
