Some operators prefer to begin the incision at the side of
the tail instead of upon the dorsal surface and in that way
have a dorsal and ventral flap instead of right and left as
indicated in Fig. 37. The excision having been completed,
the flaps are brought together by means of strong silk or
silk worm gut sutures as shown in Fig. 38. The sutures
should be begun at the apex of the two flaps and compara-
tively deep.
Disinfect the stump thoroughly and if the hair is suffi-
ciently long it is well to draw it down over the wound, to
which an antiseptic covering has been applied, and retain
the dressing in position by tying a cord around the hair just
beyond the point of amputation.
26. URETHROTOMY. LITHOTOMY.
Figs. 39, 40.
Objects. For the removal of calculi from the bladder or
urethra or performing other operations on these parts.
Instruments. Catheter, convex scalpel, scissors, artery
and compression forceps, tenacula, lithotome, lithotomy
forceps, lithotrite, absorbent cotton, drainage tube, suture
material.
Technic. Urethrotomy may be performed on horses in
the standing position, the hind feet being secured with
hobbles.
It is best however, to operate under anaesthesia with the
patient in lateral or dorsal recumbency, either on the
operating table or cast, being careful to secure as gently as


94 ; URETHROTOMY. LITHOTOMY


possible, having first emptied the bladder if practicable,
since rupture of an over distended viscus may readily oc-
cur during violent struggles by the animal.
