486 
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
that line—the site of incision—is indirectly responsible for the 
frequency of nerve tumors which some report. The writer has 
performed 124 mesoneurectomies and resected three fibroneuro- 
mata three years ago ; since that time no more nerve tumors 
have been observed, because the orthodox site of incision has 
been changed—a point to be discussed another time. From 
time to time reports have appeared in the current literature in 
regard to mesoneurectomy, nearly all of which covered a limited 
number of cases and simply represented a corroboration of the 
data contained in Liautard’s translation, which induced the 
bulk of the American operators to try this form of neurectomy. 
There are two sequels which the writer has observed from 
time to time and which to his knowledge have not been reported. 
The one is a partial paralysis of the radial nerve, the other an 
intense degree of itching on the internal aspect of the operated 
leg below the fetlock. 1. Partial paralysis of the radial nerve. 
In my work on the “ Clinical Diagnosis of Lameness in the 
Horse,” under the head of “ Paralysis of the Radial Nerve,” on 
page 44, the diagnosis and differential diagnosis given there 
correspond exactly with the symptoms which are about to be 
described and which were observed in five cases of mesoneurec- 
tomv : Case 1 .—The first horse the writer ever mesoneurecto- 
mized. Topical anaesthesia with 10 per cent, cocaine. The 
animal behaved nicely and 15 minutes were probably consumed 
in throwing him and performing the operation. As soon as the 
animal regained its feet there was total inability to support 
weight upon the operated leg. As soon as the leg was extended 
by hand he stands squarely upon it, to knuckle over and break 
down when the slightest shock is experienced by the toe. No 
treatment save rest and close attention to the wound was ordered ; 
this paretic state-persisted more or less for three days, when it 
disappeared permanently. My feelings when the horse got up 
also were of a paralyzing nature. The olecranon muscles ap¬ 
peared flat and flabby and the peculiar forward jerk of the scap¬ 
ula so characteristic of this lameness was well marked. Case 2 .— 
Was chloroformed ; same symptoms, but less marked ; had good 
use of his leg 24 hours later. Case 3 . —Was chloroformed; 
same symptoms. The paretic state of a mild degree persisted 
for 10 days. Case 3. —Was cocained ; same symptoms ; was 
neurectomized in both fore legs at the same time, as the writer 
often does. The horse after the operation hopped into its stall 
on the hind legs only, like a kangaroo ; he went to work in the 
third week. Case 3 . —Was chloroformed ; same symptoms, but 
