260 
OBSERVATIONS ON NEUROTOMY. 
baths and poultices, and a sweating blister afterwards, were ordered, 
and all became well again. A few weeks afterwards, having only 
been exercised in the interval, he however once more failed in the 
off foot, though he trotted feelingly upon both. Warm baths and 
poultices, and rest without his shoes, have again restored him 
sufficiently to shew at an auction, a destination to which I have at 
length counselled his owner to send him. 
In the same month, July 1837, on which I operated on the above- 
mentioned, I neurotomized a horse I had given me by a captain of 
our regiment, having on him at the time navicular disease of the 
near fore foot, and being dead-lame in consequence. He arose 
from the operation sound, and has remained so in my stable ever 
since. I now ride him three or four or five times a week, never 
sparing him, as a hackney about town; and he has on no occasion 
shewn any failing whatever upon his fore feet or legs, which were at 
the time of the operation, and still continue, remarkably clean. He 
is a thorough-bred horse : he was got by Whisker out of Castrella. 
His own brother ran Memnon second for the gold cup at Ascot. 
In consequence of which, Chifney, all in a hurry, went and bought 
him at the extraordinary price of £1400, and afterwards found he 
had no run in him; and so, was obliged to dispose of him at a 
very reduced rate—£200. His former master, who gave that for 
him, has since ridden him, and declares him as perfect in his action 
and performances as in his best days, prior to the lameness. 
Mr. Thomas Turner had a horse of his own on whom he operated, 
and afterwards rode him tvio seasons hunting, and with as much 
confidence, I have heard him say, as though he had never been the 
subject of lameness or operation. 
These are facts, broad facts, incontrovertible facts; and such as 
will make an imposing show against any mishaps, or unfortunate 
and unavoidable circumstances, that may have attended or followed 
neurotomy. Notwithstanding, 1 must confess, I am not myself an 
advocate for hunting neurotomized horses. I think every man who 
rides or drives such a horse, should on all occasions bear in mind, 
that he is using an animal deprived entirely or in part of sensation 
in his foot or feet, and that, therefore, he is not justified in taking 
the same liberties with him as he would with a perfectly sound 
horse. 
