Surgical diseases of the dog and cat : with chapters on anaesthetics and obstetrics / [Sir Frederick Thomas George Hobday].

  • Hobday, Frederick T. G. (Frederick Thomas George), Sir, 1870-1939.
Date:
1906
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Surgical diseases of the dog and cat : with chapters on anaesthetics and obstetrics / [Sir Frederick Thomas George Hobday]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Tenotomy. A contracted condition of one or more tendons in con- nection with a paw is occasionally met with, the paw being deformed and the animal lame in consequence. This can be remedied by tenotomy, performed at the most convenient and superficial place of whatever tendon is contracted.- Operation.—An anaesthetic is used, the parts are shaved, and strict attention paid to antiseptic precautions, the patient being secured on its side or back. An incision is made through the skin at the side of the tendon, and a blunt- pointed tenotome is introduced flatwise above or below the tendon whilst the leg is flexed; the cutting edge is turned towards the tendon, the leg is straightened, and the tendon cautiously cut through. Care must always be taken not to wound any of the blood-vessels and not to cut through the skin at the other side or back of the tendon, on account of the trouble which is likely to ensue from excessive granulations. The wound is then sutured and covered with iodoform collo- dion and a bandage. The results are usually very satisfactory although occasionally contraction will again take place. The most common situations for tenotomy are just above and behind the carpus and the under surface of the deformed toe. Suture of Divided Tendon. After severe injuries, especially wounds and cuts on the legs, some of the tendons are frequently found to be severed. Unless the divided ends are reunited the animal is apt to become a permanent cripple. Operation.—Under an anaesthetic and strict antiseptic precautions, the ends must be carefully sought for and brought into apposition, being first lightly scraped or roughened. They are then united by fine sutures of catgut or silkworm gut, the latter being the most suitable, as they remain in position for years without becoming absorbed. Antiseptic dressings are applied to the wound, and the limb