Clap of the back sinews is a common accident with all horses. The equine delight is the pleasure of the master. So entirely is the horse the slave of man, that it, by instinct, puts forth its utmost strength to attain anything in which its owner takes enjoyment. It does so regardless of its own probable sufferings. In racing, in hunting, in all kinds of pastime the horse will strain every nerve and even burst its strong vessels laboring to gratify an ungrateful proprietor. Who does not remember the old coaching days? The animals then appeared happy in their vocation. A well-appointed coach, trotting by the White Horse Cellar, was a sight to contemplate. However, follow the vehicle to the termination of the first stage. See the poor panting carcasses unharnessed—the perspiration lathering their sides, their veins swelling, their tails quivering, their nostrils jerking, and their limbs stiffened. Who then could regret that railroads were invented to indulge man's desire for speed? See, as the coach leaves the metropolis behind it, the cattle deteriorate. At last, behold life with swollen legs, stiff joints, and diseased feet made to propel the loaded vehicle. Who, properly regarding such a spectacle, and having a heart to feel, does not rejoice that a method of traveling has at length been invented which renders the employment of the lash to overcome the agonies of breathing flesh no longer imperative?
These fast abuses induced contraction of the perforans tendon in the front legs. There is, however, this difference between contraction in the anterior and posterior extremities—one hind leg only may be affected; but the author remembers no instance of one fore leg being alone involved.
When a tendon is sprained, it is usual to apply stimulating or fiery mixtures to that part, winding up the treatment with blisters and the heated iron. Notwithstanding such measures are very seldom successful, man seems incapable of learning anything where another has to bear the torture, and he will often endure a great deal of agony himself before an obvious idea can be awakened.
Such slowness is, however, very lamentable in the case of the horse. Division of the tendons was borrowed from the human surgeon by the veterinary practitioner. The operation, however, till very lately, remained as it was originally adopted. Human surgery had advanced; but veterinary practice stood motionless. At length, Mr. Varnell came from America, and instructed veterinarians in an improved mode of operating, which at this date should be universally practiced.
THE KNIFE EMPLOYED BY MR. VARNELL,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT THE ROYAL
VETERINARY COLLEGE.
THE POSITION OF THE LEG WHEN THE
KNIFE IS INSERTED.
A stout knife with a probed point, a curved blade, and a smooth, rounded back, is first obtained. Before the blade is inserted, the skin is divided, at the point selected for the operation, by the slight puncture of a lancet.
The leg is then flexed; the tendons are, by the position of the limb, rendered flaccid. The knife is next inserted sideways, behind the nerve and artery, under the tendons. This last act is not, however, in practice, very easy or very safe.