METHODS OF FIRING AND OPERATING FOR SPAVIN. 
733 
animal is cast, the point of operation disinfected and rubbed with an antiseptic 
powder. The necessary number of knitting-needles (which can be broken in 
two) are placed in a basketful of burning charcoal, and, as required, are grasped 
with forceps and introduced into the bone. From fifteen to twenty perforations 
are made over a surface as large as a lemon. They enter the bone deeply 
enough to reach the cancellous tissue. If want of resistance to the introduction 
of the needle shows that the joint has been entered, the needle must then at 
once be withdrawn. 
After firing, Hoffmann applies a thick coating of iodoform, lays the hand flat 
on the parts, and moves the skin backward and forward so as to displace the 
openings in the skin from those in the deeper-seated structures. The surfaces 
are then once more strewed with iodoform. After some days a slight swelling 
occurs, an eschar forms, and in fourteen 
days all symptoms are stated to disappear. 
Batazzi recently recommended the 
treatment of spavin by subcutaneous 
firing, formerly introduced by Nanzio. 
After making an incision 1 ^ to 2 inches 
in length over the exostosis, the edges of 
the wound are drawn back and a few 
punctures made in the form of a triangle, 
with the base directed upwards. The 
same effect is more simply produced by 
firing through the skin, which has the 
advantage of producing smaller cicatrices. 
(3) Operation for spavin. Since the 
times of Abildgaard and Lafosse many 
operations have been proposed for the 
cure of spavin. Abildgaard first de¬ 
scribed section of the inner terminal Fia 267.--Operation for division of the 
tendon of the flexor metatarsi, after- mner terminal tendon of the flexor 
metatarsi muscle. A, the tendon. 
wards extensively practised by Lafosse. 
Dieckerhoff, about the same time, suggested opening the bursa of this 
tendon. No doubt these operative measures may assist in removing 
lameness, but their usefulness probably depends on the acute inflam¬ 
mation which follows assisting union of the diseased surfaces, and not, 
as Abildgaard and Lafosse thought, on their producing relaxation of 
the tendon, and preventing it pressing on the diseased joint. Division 
of the tendon is, therefore, of much less importance than the production 
of acute inflammation of its bursa, which extends to neighbouring struc¬ 
tures, and not only procures thorough local rest, but assists union by 
the periostitis which it gives rise to. DieckerhofFs method is very 
simple, and quiet horses may be operated on standing. Restive or 
dangerous animals are cast, with the affected limb lowermost. A twitch 
is applied, the horse is placed against the wall with the sound limb lifted 
as in shoeing, and the operator then passes a probe-pointed bistoury into 
the bursa of the diseased limb. After making sure that the bursa is 
really opened, the animal is placed in the stable. No after-treatment 
