SETONS. 
327 
cartilages and ligaments, it would be injudicious to cut the 
nerve, as the animal feeling no pain, the too active use of 
the foot would hasten the progress of disease by bruising 
the parts. Neither would it be proper to have recourse to 
neurotomy in pumiced and convex soles of the foot, because 
it would be speedily worn out and destroyed by the animal 
now pressing on it ; whereas before the operation the pain 
of pressure naturally induced him to bear lightly on it. 
From what we have said, we hope all the prejudices 
against this operation will be removed, and by resorting to 
it many suffering cart and waggon horses will be freed from 
suffering, and prove more serviceable to their owners. But 
by all means let the nerve be cut by an experienced veteri¬ 
nary surgeon. 
SETONS. 
In abscesses, ulcers, and tumours, the use of setons will 
prove of great service. A seton is a piece of cord or tape 
passed through the base of such ulcers as have deep sinuses, 
or between the skin and muscles. This is effected by means 
of an instrument resembling a needle, and the seton is kept 
in its place by means of a knot at each end, or tying the 
ends together. The tape should be moved several times 
during the day, and wetted with turpentine, spirit of wine, 
or some acrid liquid, in order to keep up the inflammation 
and promote the discharge of matter, which is the purpose 
for which setons are used. 
Setons are often useful in increasing a discharge in the 
places contiguous to inflammation, and thus carrying off 
that superfluity of fluid matter which would distend the 
vessels of those parts and keep up the inflammation. For 
example : in inflammation of the eye, a seton in the cheek 
will act with much advantage, on the principle of counter- 
