one-quarter to one-half an inch below the hair line or skin. If this is not
practised, an irregular horn growth or stub of horn develops. It is usually
unnecessary to apply anything to the wound. If the animal does not strike
or rub the part, the clot that forms closes the blood-vessels and the
haemorrhage stops. In case of haemorrhage of a serious nature, a small
piece of absorbent cotton may be spread over the surface of the wound, and
pushed in to the opening in order to keep it in place. Pine tar may be
smeared over this dressing. Some operators prefer cauterizing the wound
with a red-hot iron for the purpose of preventing haemorrhage. During warm
weather, the wound should be washed daily with a two per cent water
solution of a coal tar disinfectant, until healing is well advanced. A very
necessary after-treatment is the washing of the part after two or three
days for the purpose of removing the dried blood.

The opening at the base of the horn communicates directly with the frontal
sinus, a large cavity situated between the two plates of the frontal bone.
Sometimes the bone is slivered, or the wound becomes infected and inflamed.
This may be due to a dirty dehorning saw, or getting dirt into the wound.
The inflammation may extend to the sinus and a heavy discharge from the
cavity occur. This complication may be prevented by placing the saw or
cutters in a disinfectant when not in use, and cleaning and disinfecting
the wound very carefully for a few days after the operation.

_The horn buttons of calves_ from a few days to one week of age can be
destroyed, and the growth of the horn prevented by applying caustic soda or
potash to them. The method of procedure is as follows: Clip away the hair
from around the base of the horn tissue and apply a little vaseline to the
skin near, but not close to, the base of the horn; moisten the horn button
and rub it two or three times with the end of the stick of caustic; do not
allow the calf to go out in the rain for a few days after applying the