INVOLUNTARY SHAKING OF THE HEAD. 
323 
nose so vigorously against the collar or neck of its fellow as to 
push it out of the road unless prevented by the driver. At 
times and to other observers the seat of irritation seems to be 
the ears or poll, the ears being moved rapidly, the head all the 
while being jerked up and down, and right and left. At times 
the patient becomes frantic and almost unmanageable. 
In one case a net worn over the muzzle palliated the affec¬ 
tion while in others it produced no effect whatever. 
Physical inspection of nose, ears, mouth, teeth, and adjacent 
parts gives negative results, while clipping the hairs from the 
inner side of the external ear, extracting “wolf” teeth, filing 
molars and other expedients suggested or desired by owners 
have in our observations induced no effect. 
Our treatment for the malady consists in neurectomy of the 
infra-orbital portion of the super-maxillary division of the tri¬ 
facial nerve. 
The technique of our operation, though tentative, is work¬ 
able and not difficult for any ordinary veterinarian. The in¬ 
struments required consist of two scalpels, two tenaculae, razor, 
scissors, aneurism needle, compression artery forceps, needles, 
sutures, sponges, or absorbent cotton and a piece of heavy mus¬ 
lin about four inches square. 
The animal is prepared by the usual restriction in diet, and 
the operation field is to be shaved, cleansed and disinfected. 
The patient is secured in the lateral recumbent position, pre¬ 
ferably upon the operating table, and complete chloroform 
anaesthesia induced. The halter is removed, as well as any 
other harness or apparatus which can in any way interfere with 
the operator, or injure the wound. The usual antiseptic or asep¬ 
tic precautions in relation to the operation field, operator’s hands, 
instruments, and dressing materials are applied. The levator 
muscle of the upper lip is pushed downwards or ventralwards, 
as far as practicable, and, beginning just in front or dorsalwards 
from the muscle, and about one-half inch above the infra-orbital 
foramen, an incision is extended downwards, parallel, and close 
to the levator muscle, for a distance of one and one-half to two 
