420 
M. H. MC KILLIP. 
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF PLANTAR NEUROTOMY. 
By M. H. McKillip, M.D., V.S. 
A Paper Read before the U. S. V. M. A., at Des Moines. 
It is well known to all practitioners who perform a large 
number of operations of plantar neurotomy that its practical 
result is sometimes unsatisfactory on account of an early 
uniting of the nerve-ends, with subsequent recurrence of feel¬ 
ing and lameness, no matter how long a section of nerve may 
have been removed. To overcome this annoying result I 
have experimentally tried to perfect the modus operandi in dif¬ 
ferent ways, and the result has been so satisfactory that I 
think it expedient to report it for the benefit of those who are 
called upon to perform this operation. 
As the technique of the operation is familiar to you, I shall 
only refer to the difference of my methods. First of all I 
have devised a certain preparation of the limb for the opera¬ 
tion, which is quite essential. Three days before operating, 
a cantharides blister is applied over the seat of operation. 
This is washed off after twenty-four hours, the cuticle removed 
and vaseline applied to the part. The object of this proced¬ 
ure is to secure a clean field for operation and rapid union. 
The blister removes the hair and cuticle, doing away with 
the hair stubbles always left by the clipper, which are an 
irritating agent. It leaves a clean, smooth surface and pre¬ 
pares, as nearly as possible, for an aseptic operation and dress¬ 
ing. It excites inflammation of the skin, and the slight swelling 
and increased circulation promote a union by first intention, 
a result seldom obtained by the old methods, especially in 
animals with a thin skin. There is a tendency to produce a 
little more hemorrhage during incision, but if any should 
object to this it is easily prevented by the application of a 
simple tourniquet. 
The operation itself is performed as usual until the nerve 
has been dissected and cut on its upper end. Then it is dis¬ 
sected downwards to a length of one and a half inches and 
firmly drawn up with forceps by an assistant, while the oper¬ 
ator applies a silk ligature to the lowest part of the distal end, 
