570 
FRACTURE OF THE METATARSAL BONES. 
wire, of a large size, and passed it between the cartilages and 
the insertion of the diaphragm, and then through the muscles 
below, and here I was obliged to “ dip deep/* for the muscles 
had receded far from each other. Four sutures 'were thus in¬ 
serted, their ends were then brought together and tied. Some 
more sutures of small wire were then passed through the 
skin and panniculus, and the animal's feet released from the 
hobbles, which had been placed upon them for safety. 
The animal was allowed to remain lying down, when, after 
a short time, it arose of his own will. The only pain evinced 
during the operation was when the needle was being passed 
through the skin the last time. He was under the partial 
influence of the anaesthetic for several hours after the operation, 
which I consider was greatly in his favour. The operation 
was performed on 24th June last, and the animal remained 
under my care for three weeks, when it was sent home and is 
now doing well. 
FRACTURE OF THE METATARSAL BONES OF A 
COW. 
By the Same. 
A cow, with a fine calf by her side, had the misfortune to 
fracture the metatarsal bones of the near leg. It was a com¬ 
pound comminuted fracture, and the only chance of saving 
the animal’s life w ? as by amputating the injured limb, which 
I did within about two and a half inches of the hock-joint. 
The operation occupied but a very short time, and within an 
hour after it the animal was lying down and chewing the 
cud. 
I operated on 11th July last, and she is now doing well. 
It may be remembered that I reported a case in the 
Veterinary Record of the amputation of the fore leg of a heifer 
by me. That case also did well, and the animal “ fed out 
well,” and I make no doubt but that this one will do so like¬ 
wise, thus proving that either of the limbs of the ox tribe 
may be amputated, and the animal do well afterwards for 
beef. 
I will not trouble you with more cases this time, but permit 
me to remark that, although the veterinary surgeon must 
never expect to carve his way either to fortune or to fame 
with his operating knife, yet I am convinced, from experience, 
