256 
NEUROTOMY. 
causing the lameness, as in time work the cure of that lameness, 
or, in other words, enable the animal to perform actions without 
pain, which in former times occasioned him more or less pain, and 
consequent lameness. Cases of this description, we repeat, may 
and do occur ; though we are by no means sanguine enough of 
such results to hold out hopes of the kind to our employers. 
Neurotomy confined to one Leg holdfout better prospects 
of success than when both (fore) feet are robbed of their nervous 
communication. We had occasion, at the commencement of this 
subject, to state that there was, under the more favourable circum- 
stances, some alteration occasioned by neurotomy in the action, 
either sensible to the by-stander or else to the rider. This, in 
one limb, might prove so slight as hardly to be perceived, though, 
existing in both, the alteration might turn out for riding any thing 
but what was pleasant. Added to which, in two legs, of course, 
there is more risk of failure from the operation than in one, and 
there is double risk afterwards, supposing both operations — or 
rather all four operations — turn out completely satisfactory. A 
reference to those cases of neurotomy in which success has proved 
most signal and lasting will shew that, for the most part, they 
have been lamenesses of one leg. Indeed, so formidable to our 
French veterinary brethren did neurotomy in both fore legs ap- 
pear, that they held it to be unwarrantable, nay, impracticable 
and dangerous. This, however, our own experience contradicts. 
Still, that neurotomist is in the happiest position who is called on 
to operate on one leg alone. Nor need he be under the appre- 
hension, which might enter his mind, that because neurotomy has 
restored one foot, the animal will fail in the opposite one. If he 
does fail after this manner, it will be from a translation of navi- 
cularthritis. 
Sequelae of Neurotomy. Notwithstanding the precaution 
has been given before, it is one that may be given again, indeed 
can hardly be repeated too often, viz. that every injury or sign of 
injury to a foot or leg deprived of sensation, requires double care 
and attention on the. part of the person tending on such horse, 
seeing that the animal, feeling no pain, will afford no indication of 
annoyance or suffering himself. The disregard of this plain and 
obvious injunction it is that proves the fruitful source of mis- 
chief in various forms, arising out of neurotomy certainly, but as 
certainly not fairly ascribable to neurotomy. A simple bruise 
or tread upon a leg or foot devoid of sensation may breed inflam- 
mation and festering of the part, and that may end in caries or 
quittor, or in something worse, and all owing either to neglect or 
wilful perseverance in wrong, after the mischief has declared itself. 
