Copyright N° COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT: oH Slat ine Bireaiy| ‘A as eae VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES No. 8 ANIMAL CASTRATION BY JN EAC OCs DIS: Professor of Surgery, The Kansas City Veterinary College ILLUSTRATED Chicago AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 1915 CopyricHt 1915, BY» | D. M. CamMppeLL PREE ACE This work is not intended for those unacquainted with anatomy, restraint of animals, principles of sur- gery and asepsis. It is assumed that the student is familiar with anatomy, and no attempt at such in- struction has been made. However, anatomy is treated in sufficient detail for accurate deseription of the tech- nie pertaining to the various operations considered. The reader’s familiarity with the restraint of animals being presupposed, tedious recital of modes of restraint has been omitted; but the kind of restraint that will best serve any given operation has been indicated. Since a good working knowledge of the principles. of surgery and asepsis is necessary to comprehend the text, frequent reminders that instruments should be boiled and the operator’s hands washed, have been purposely avoided. The selection of instruments is a matter of individual choice or custom, and, therefore, naming the instruments required for each operation deseribed, has been intentionally omitted. This volume is a résumé of observations made during ten years’ experience in the castration of animals. In considering the technie of operations, where more than one method is in vogue, the one that has proved the most practicable has been deseribed. The sections on equine umbilical hernia and cesarean operation in the sow have been included because these cases command much of the veterinarian’s attention during the season of castration. a Wo 1G, October, 1915. eS) CONTENTS IGS, one | JUDAISM ONAS iio, Sale o sis 6 premeiniale cic eio.o 6 l5-0 ol6 Ul-oco- 7 MerGT7O CHUL mledracay eeeesnt erate, miko ovarehe weer srlenellccs weno usmereesasCot onc te toucalarerrer lter> 9 PART Castration of Males SECTION I. relamaanariy. vive ASUEe Sacred veredsucth stalin teiersroy eeu siene cuonsi sy tel fersnelen 15 SECTION II. Anatomy of the Structures Directly Involved............. 23, SECTION ITI. IMIGTINOGIS one CAGimeMON GS Cameco es poten eons epod Boos Sod co deo 25 SECTION IV. CRISTEPAENO IM “One: TING) ABKOIRK oi boo Go Olbiupicocld bo DOS OO U DOO Oa OOLe 29 SECTION V. Castrationeo teat hens Osteen temp ci tars tener iorcioiencs accretion evans 59 SECTION VI. CastratvomMmote She opus demon ees ioreslerciedtern tetoas Mieaene lovere aee er ale ones 73 SECTION VII (CARIBE AIO: OI? TiWANKe 55 cob es oie Sod d one Noe ona b OOO mob OUD OSS 75 SECTION VIII. CASUBEHION Gie IDOGS pyncGl OER soechoecconobeoouosdoeanads 83 SECTION IX. Castration oie 10: G See emasra a leon eer ernie reece ay ome ere eee 87 5 CON TEN TS—Continued JEvel ie ALE Castration of Females SECTION I. Vaginal Ovariotomy not thew Manes 2a ie ss ceel ts isilanisil reruns 89 SECTION II. VaoimaliOvaraotomiy cofapher Coweaias sities ace itiee oer 95 SECTION III. Castration obi sElertensicyyc\atersh. ses cy screener clare tere moueren enon aie mere 97 SECTION IV. CASER ATION OWS OWS sharia reseed ea oreo eho ocd eee as 101 SECTION V. Castrationyor hie Doo. (Sp aivyampy) enna secre sie ere cenae 163 SECTION VI. Castrationsot-thies Cate (Sp aiyamey icv mejor sheeted snoryet 119 APPENDIX. Hague Wamnbilicallbler mia ao tensievsie oie eae tonci nepal reeset env ken 125 Cesarean SectionuimachenS Ow ies ater ueuerhekes eller acca se mses 1338 biG Gano socod oo Daou US O4b CUOUb OOo OUD OUD ae adguccpa000d 142 6 ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE PAGE 1. A Castrating Knife with Convex Cutting Edge....... 15 2. WMiechigin Ibm AbACnsoMn sKOP SHOW Aue. oop aS on u os Goo ebuan 108 19. The Ovary Within the Grasp of the Spaying Forceps... 111 20. Completing the Process of Limited Torsion for Ampu- TREN AHONM CONE ABLE ONE A5 bios 6 colo ob Gin Gom cmd G.clgio oo 0 GinId cic 112 21. Suture for Coaptation of the Peritoneum and Abdom- THA HIM EOIN CIGSS ea sleta dard awiee cco a cha ood bud ann aa aaa Sate 113 22 = eNiethodnor:, yanio Combimious Suber ss -eroe ence 114 Oe, | Mileinlk< Iknensi@i ator Sjoehwuer ie Ohinosccscousueoceudoc 121 7 INTRODUCTION History Castration of animals was practiced by the ancients as there is occasional mention of it in literature, but it is doubtful if this operation was performed on ani- mals before it was practiced on the human. There is frequent allusion to castration or to one eastrated in many lterary works and data on this operation as practiced upon the human subjeet are readily obtained. We quote from A Reference Handbook of the Medi- cal Sciences, Vol. Il, page 710: ‘‘Castration is a very ancient practice. It was a consequence of the system of polygamy. The word EKunuch means literally hav- ing charge of the bed chamber. The Hebrew word means mutilated, and the first royal chamberlains were probably castrated men. Later the term eunuch was applied to men in all sorts of offices and it lost its original meaning.”’ “Herodotus relates that the castration of slaves was an industry among the Greeks. These slaves brought a high price in the markets of Ephesus. Early records of castration in China date back to 1100 B. C. Next to beheading it was at one time the most severe form of punishment.’’ Object Reasons for the castrating of animals may be divided into two general classes. First, for economic purposes; making it possible to keep and work animals of both 9 10 ANIMAL CASTRATION sexes together without difficulty, which would be im- possible if the males were left entire; to regulate the reproductive numbers and thereby seek to elevate the standard of any given species; and to obviate dangers of accidents and injuries occasioned by the instinctive combat between males. The second reason for animal castration is to work for the otherwise impossible cor- rection of certain pathological conditions, such as in- fectious orchitis, and in some eases of strangulated hernia of the breeding male. Castration has a marked effeet upon the conforma- tion of animals and viewed from the economical stand- point, this result is beneficial. Conformation is mate- rially altered, and where the animal is castrated at an early age, the type is not so strongly developed as in the case of the unaltered subject. Geldings do not possess the physical maturity of stallions, being less powerful in appearance and lacking the large, mas- culine facial features of the stallion. The neck is more slender, the crest somewhat undeveloped, and the mus- cularity of the breast and forearms is not so pro- nounced,—in short, the entire body partakes of a finer and more feminine type. A similar but less observable condition occurs with respect to the unsexed female. This is true, in varying degrees, of all animals. The character of the flesh of a castrated animal is also materially different from that of the uneastrated, the flesh of the steer having a better flavor and being more tender and edible than that of a bull. This is particularly noticeable in the flesh of swine,—the meat of the entire male hog or one castrated after attaining maturity, having a characteristic odor and being not really palatable. The flow of milk is said to be appreciably proloneen in cows that have been spayed, but it is doubtful if INTRODUCTION ial the quality of the milk is improved in the least. In those instances where it is undesirable or inconvenient to breed milk cows, the estral period interferes materi- ally with lactation at each regular recurrence. In such cases spaying 1s advisable. The best age for castrating the various species is a much-debated question, as many circumstances govern, in a measure, the decision in different cases. It 1s gen- erally conceded that a colt is best castrated between the ages of nine and twenty-four months, though some stock owners are firmly of the opinion that colts should not be altered until they are two years of age, claiming that this delay enables the animals to attain better physical development. While this may be true in cer- tain cases, yet in the average thrifty colt, particularly of the draft breeds, the gain in certain parts of the physique is offset by pronounced undesirable charac- teristics which manifest themselves because of late castration. The vigorous draft colt castrated at the age of two years may possess a better developed head, neck and fore quarters than does the one operated on at a year of age, yet the croup and hind quarters of the first, are not developed in proportion to the fore quarters, there resulting an asymmetrical conforma- tion. Because of the fact that the testicles normally descend at or soon after birth in the normal foal, in a few cases the inguinal canal remains somewhat lax and loose, making castration of a foal during his earher months, an unsafe procedure, as hernia and even even- tration may result. Under average normal conditions the best age for castrating colts is between nine and twelve months. Males of the bovine species are best castrated when very young, and since the operation apparently causes the subject a minimum degree cf discomfort and there is no reason for not operating 12 ANIMAL CASTRATION at a very early age, it is best to select the earliest convenient time. Swine also are most successfully al- tered when very young. Sheep and goats are not capable of withstanding surgical interference to the same extent as cattle, and are best castrated at or about two months of age. Dogs and eats are castrated merely as a matter of domestic convenience, and in the majority of instances, since these animals are kept for pets or companions, the operation is best and easiest for the subject at or about the age of six months. In the unsexing of females, reasons for operating deter- mine in a measure, the age most suitable. Heifers are spayed, if possible, before experiencing their first estral period, and the same is true of female swine, dogs and eats. Where the operation is done by the method of Charlier, the animal needs to attain a suffi- cient degree of development to enable the operator to comfortably manipulate instruments within the vaginal canal. Longe deferment of this operation, however, 1s not likely to bring at once the desired result of ab- senee of the sexual instinct in the previously bred fe- male of some species. Season and Age for Castration The season best suited for castrating depends some- what upon climatic conditions, existent vulnerable agencies, and customs fixed because of the element of convenience necessary in proper handling of the sub- jects. In those latitudes where insect life or other vulnerable agencies frequently cause an unfavorable outcome, castration should be done in the spring of the year. Where animals are sent to pasture for the spring or summer months, the operation is more con- veniently done before they are turned out. In other INTRODUCTION 13 instances, where screw worms do not abound, or where the subjects are somewhat unthrifty, it is best to castrate them during the early summer months. It seems hardly necessary to say that animals should not be exposed to adverse elements immediately after this operation, as exposure to long-continued cold rains tends to lower the vitality, decrease the powers of resistance and enhances the possibility of sequel. However, the fallacious theory cherished by some, that colts should not be exposed to rain directly after castration, should be emphatically discouraged. Inevitably more harm is done by the well-meaning client who shelters his recently castrated colt in an unsanitary and even filthy stall than can possibly be occasioned by the heaviest downpour of rain, provided the weather is not cold. It has been found impos- sible for a newly castrated colt to assume the normal recumbent position when it is kept in a stable or lit- tered barnyard without causing contamination of the surgical wounds of the scrotum. Postoperative infec- tions have been so caused in many instances, at the expense of the reputation of the acting veterinarian, and it therefore behooves the ecastrator to insist posi- tively upon having his patient kept away from all barnyard filth until the scrotal wounds have healed completely. In ecastrating normal young animals that are kept under average conditions, no preoperative preparation is urgent. Where general anesthesia is employed in the handling of mature animals, or in the case of nervous stallions, food should be withheld for a suffi- cient length of time to minimize the danger of fer- mentation of ingesta which might be brought on by the attendant excitement. In certain pathological con- ditions where the operation is likely to consume con- 14 ANIMAL CASTRATION siderable time, as in some eryptorehids, and in cases where general anesthesia is to be employed, animals should always be dieted before operating. Preopera- tive preparation of the surgical field varies with the case and the manner in which the technique is exe- euted. Where a normal animal is castrated under aver- age conditions, local preparation consists in washing with suitable solutions and rendering the field clean. In other cases, such as eryptorchid castration, a thor- ough cleansing of the surgical area with soap and water, drying the parts, and finally painting the skin with tincture of iodin, is a necessary precautionary measure. In the castration of swine and ealves, if the parts are not soiled, no preoperative local cleansing is imperative. PART ONE SCAN I CASTRATION OF MALES PRELIMINARY MEASURES Selection of Instruments In the performance of any surgical operation, every reputable surgeon has his decided preference with re- gard to the instruments and apphanees to be used, and while it is not our purpose to recommend any particular make of instruments, we do deem it wise to call attention to the fact that there are a diseov- Fig. 1—A CASTRATING KNIFE OF A GOOD PATTERN, HAVING A SHORT BLADE WITH CONVEX CUTTING EDGE ered few on the market the faulty construction of which makes them very undesirable for the purpose of castration. Kspecially must the instrument used for this pur- pose be a properly designed one and of a convenient size. Castrating knives are made of the hoe blade or hooked pattern, or equipped with a rather short blade having a very convex cutting edge, and are preferably devoid of a sharp point. For the ablation of the testicle, the emasculator is the more widely used instrument by scientific vet- erinarians, and so long as it is constructed in such manner that division of the cord may be effected 15 16 ANIMAL CASTRATION without subsequent hemorrhage, the essentials exist, and it remains a matter of choice with the operator aS to which particular style of this instrument he Fig. 2—A SUITABLE CASTRATING KNIFE HAVING A HOOKED BLADE may prefer to use. The same statement is true of the eecraseur, and as these two instruments are the principal ones employed in the castrating operation, none others will be mentioned here. As in the case of all surgical instruments, it is most important that they be properly cared for—kept clean and dry when not in use. It is quite impossible to keep an instrument clean after the plating has be- come damaged. Every veterinarian should have suffi- cient pride in the appearance of his equipment to keep = Fig. 3—A VERY GOOD STYLE OF EMASCULATOR WITH EXTRA ATTACHMENT TO INSURE HEMOSTASIS if in good condition, even though it were not urgent to do so in the ease of castrating instruments, to pre- vent possible infection, and only the practitioners who have this innate pride will tend to raise the standard of their profession. Castrating instruments should be PRELIMINARY MEASURES 17 boiled daily when regularly used and should be kept wrapped in a clean, sterile towel, and not loosely thrown in the soiled and more or less contaminated emergency bag. In field work the average client will inwardly, if not outwardly, appreciate the pains taken by the serupulously exacting operator, even though he is put to some effort to procure a clean pail or basin and sterile towels for the convenience of the veterinarian, Fig. 4—A SUBSTANTIAL ECRASEUR OF THE “QUICK-CHAIN” TYPE when the elient understands that such precautions are taken for the sole purpose of lessening the danger of infection to his animals. The veterinary student who is unfamilar with the appearance and quality of castrating and other special instruments should refer to any complete veterinary instrument catalogue, which ean be readily secured from any reputable dealer. Restraint A thorough knowledge of practical methods of re- straint of animals is very necessary in order to become skilled as a castrator. It could not be the intention of any right thinking veterinarian to employ restraint to the exclusion of anesthesia; however, oftentimes a cas- tration operation, skillfully performed on a conscious animal, may inflict less real shock and distress to the subject than complete anesthesia used under average 18 ANIMAL CASTRATION conditions. Proper restraint constitutes a very essen- tial part of the operation for successful castration, and this means applies not only to the preparation of large animals but to the smaller ones as well. Veterinary surgeons are not agreed as to the best method of procedure in the handling of larger animals in many instances, but while their opinions may differ in this, the result sought is the same, so that while one man may confine an animal in some specific way that departs radically from the manner ordinarily employed, he may, nevertheless, be a very practical and successful operator. In the handling of horse and mule colts for castration there are probably many more practitioners who cast the animals in some se- cure manner than there are who perform the opera- tion with the subject in standing position. Each of the two methods has its advantages and its disadvan- tages, which may be summarized as follows: The standing operation is practicable in colts that have attained sufficient size to allow for the work with a certain degree of convenience to the operator, but it is not practical and is difficult to perform in undersized subjects—particularly so in mules, where the testicle is not well developed and the cremaster muscle active in contraction. The standing operation requires less time and exertion for one skilled in its performance, but it is sometinies prolonged because of the inability of the operator and his assistant to prop- erly control the animal, and it occasionally becomes impossible to cope successfully with certain abnormal ecnditions encountered, thereby necessitating interrup- tion of the work for the purpose of casting and tying the subject so that the task may be completed. For- tunately for both operators and animals, such condi- tions are rarely encountered. PRELIMINARY MEASURES il) It is quite impossible to operate upon the standing animal and execute as nearly perfect a technic with respect to cleanliness as may be done upon the recum- bent animal. The average. operator would probably not meet with success in the handling of other animals than colts that are sufficiently tractable to be readily haltered. All conditions and emergencies taken into considera- Fig. 5—CASTRATION OF THE COLT IN A STANDING POSITION The cperator is close to the subject yet not contacting the animal tion, it is evident that the performance of castration upon the standing subject would be only successfully executed by those already skilled as castrators, apt and adaptable as horsemen, and sufficiently agile to pro- tect themselves when necessary. The operation is ad- vised only in animals that are normal with respect to the position and development of the testicles; where 20 ANIMAL CASTRATION there exists no hernia or other abnormal conditions which might seriously interfere with the work, and in colts having developed sufficiently to enable the oper- ator to thoroughly execute the technic. The matter and manner of restraint of his subjects is of great importance to the veterinarian, and he should not be wanting in proper judgment and skill to employ the most practical, the safest, and most hu- Fig. 6—A PRACTICAL METHOD OF RESTRAINT FOR CASTRATING COLTS mane means in every instance. Experienced castrators have demonstrated that the wild, untamed colt is han- dled with the minimum degree of resistance when quickly and securely confined in recumbency, and also that the large, lethargic draft colt is more easily han- dled in a gentle, leisurely, yet skillful, manner. In the first instance there may be need of a lariat rope and the employment of the old simple method of ‘‘hog PRELIMINARY MEASURES 21 tying,’’ whereas in the second case the subject may be castrated while in the standing position, or he may be gently and quietly cast and confined with some prac- tical harness. In short, it is necessary to use different methods to suit the number of varying eases. The veterinarian should never disregard the fact that a certain amount of responsibility rests upon him in regard to the employment of untrained assistants, and their likelihood of meeting with accidents in the handling of animals. In the absence of precautionary advice, the volunteer or untrained helper may suffer painful injury, and it therefore behooves the practi- tioner to warn and so place his clients when they are lending assistance that he—the practitioner—may not be charged with wilful neglect in this matter. It is likewise most important that the animals placed under restraint be handled in an extremely careful manner, to prevent their becoming injured. Such forethought- ful measures will discourage attempts on the part of the client to collect indemnity in ease of accidental injury or loss of the patient. SE CRTONGI ANATOMY OF THE STRUCTURES DIRECTLY INVOLVED The testicle is a structure that is composed of gland- ular, vascular, nervous, and fibrous tissues, and its lo- cation in the different animals varies somewhat. It is supported more or less closely to the body by means of the eremaster muscle, fibrous integuments of the cord, and by the scrotum. The cremaster muscle has its origin at the posterior portion of the inner abdom- inal ring, and, according to Sisson, originating from the iliae fascia near the origin of the sartorious. The distal attachment is by means of the tunica vaginalis communis. The spermatie cord consists of fibro-areolar struc- ture loosely enveloping arteries, veins, nerves, and the vas deferens. The spermatic artery is given off from the aorta, and the spermatic vein furnishes a means of return for the blood. Lymph vessels accompany the vein and empty into the lumbar lymph glands. The vas deferens, which is also contained within the spermatic cord, is a continuation of the epididymis, separating itself from the vessels located in the anterior portion of the cord, as it enters the urogenital fold. The nerve supply is derived from the renal and pos- terior mesenteric plexuses. The scrotum or pouch containing the testicles is composed of layers derived from the skin and other integument forming the abdominal wall, and from without inward are the skin, dartos, scrotal fascia, 23 24 ANIMAL CASTRATION tunica vaginalis communis, and tunica vaginalis propria. The dartos is derived from the abdominal tunic; the scrotal fascia is contributed by the oblique abdominal muscles; the tunica vaginalis communis is a continuation of the parietal peritoneum; and the tunica vaginalis propria is the mesorechium of the fetus. These coverings are not proper to the testicle, but, strictly speaking, are coverings usually considered as forming the scrotum. The proper covering of the testicle is the fibrous, inelastie, closely-investing tunica albuginea, which is not directly attached even to the tunica vaginalis propria. In the immediate region of the serotum there is to be found in some eases in colts an abnormal de- velopment of branches of the external pudice veins forming plexuses. This is common in eryptorehids. There is much difference in the comparative size of the testicles in the various domestic animals. Bulls, sheep and goats have comparatively large testicles, which are supported in the sub-pubie region in a pen- dent manner, exposing these glands to injury from ballotment between the thighs or from actual vio- lence in many other ways. The testicles of the boar are comparatively large but closely invested by the scrotum, and situated in the external perineal region in such manner that they are well protected. In the horse the testicles are comparatively smaller than are those of the animals aforementioned, supported rather more closely to the body in the sub-pubie region and ordinarily not subject to injury except from chafing, this occurring more often in light harness horses put at. fast work. SCANLON: IL METHODS OF CASTRATION In the castration of animals the practicability of any given modus operandi ean only be judged accord- ing to the convenience of the veterinarian and the possible difficulties to be encountered in varying cases. Ablation of the testicle being the essential object of the operation, assuredly, then, it behooves the sur- eon to accomplish this result in the most practical manner possible, with the least discomfort and danger to his subject and to himself. A eonsideration in the performance of this opera- tion is the danger of hemorrhage, and because of this possibility being greater in certain animals, the instru- ment to be used should be selected accordingly. In subjects prone to suffer hemorrhage, the employment of the eeraseur, the emasculator, ligatures, or even the wood clamp, is indicated; but for all practical pur- poses where hemorrhage is improbable, removal of the testicles may be safely and immediately accomplished by the use of the knife. The use of the ecraseur or emasculator in the castration of a weanling pig, for instance, 1s impractical, and is not a favorable choice for the operator. In animals where there exists some possibility of hemorrhage, the knife may be employed in such a manner that the tissues severed are scraped and not keenly divided, and a moderate degree of ‘unlimited’? torsion of the spermatic cord—twisting it round and round—and then dividing the tissues by seraping, lessens the danger of hemorrhage. 25 26 ANIMAL CASTRATION Histologically considered, the tunica intima of ar- teries is the most delicate layer of the three, and where any sort of manipulation of an artery results in injury to this innermost layer, retraction of the tissue fol- lows. With such retraction and contusion, the lumen of the vessel is materially lessened, and coagulation of blood is hastened. This inner tissue of the arterial wall is the least resistant and will be divided before the outer structures are crushed; therefore any in- strument that will effect the division of the tissue surely, and cause sufficient contusion to insure coagu- lation of arterial blood, will serve for the safe removal of the testicle. While the term castration only refers to the abla- tion of the testicle, other means of renderng animals sterile are sometimes resorted to. The secreting power of the testicles may be destroyed and still leave them in situ. These painful methods are employed in coun- {ries where the production of castration wounds are inadvisable because of the possibilities of infection resulting in tetanus or other dangerous maladies. The destruction of the secreting power of the organs may be brought about by a subcutaneous torsion of the tes- ticles by digital manipulation—the testicles being placed in a position that causes complete obstruction of the circulation and resulting in aseptic inflammation and eventual atrophy of the glands. In animals having a pendent scrotum, the spermatic cord may be erushed subcutaneously between the edges of pieces of wood or other blunt objects, which will ultimately cause atrophy of the testicles and sterility; or a ligature applied above the constricted portion of the scrotum, situated above the testicles, will in about two weeks cause sloughing of the scrotum. But such barbarous methods inflict much suffering on METHODS OF CASTRATION 27 the subject, and while they have been necessary in some sections for local reasons, to the scientifie and humane mind they should be termed obsolete and un- worthy of consideration. Castration operations may be regarded under two general headings with certain modifications, and are Fig. 7—THE “COVERED OPERATION,’ SHOWING EMASCULA- TION OF THE TESTICLE AND ITS INTACT VAGINAL COVERINGS to be classed as the wncovered operation and the covered operation. The wneovered operation is the one usually em- ployed and is the more practical in the various animals when the subjects are in a normal condition. This operation consists in the exposure of the testicle proper by means of an incision through the scrotum, such 28 ANIMAL CASTRATION incision penetrating the skin, dartos, scrotal fascia, and both layers of the vaginal tunic, thereby exposing the testicle within its own adherent covering and sub- sequent ablation of the gland. The covered operation is indicated in cases of serotal or inguinal hernia and is executed by incising the skin and dartos and by breaking down the scrotal fascia, thus exposing the tunica vaginalis communis, but not perforating it. By careful blunt dissection in the proec- ess of severing the attachments of the scrotal fascia, the operator is enabled to cause protrusion of the testicle confined in its own proper covering plus both layers of the vaginal tunic, providing for the appli- eation of a clamp, or ligature, en masse, before the actual ablation of the testicle is effected. SHE CAM KON NY! CASTRATION OF THE HORSE Normal Colt Since there are more colts castrated and restrained in recumbeney by means of some sort of harness, this shall be described as the principal method of restraint. After having east and securely tied the colt on its left side (for the right-handed operator), an assistant is stationed at its head to prevent the animal doing itself injury. The tail is then either held under the foot of the operator or secured in some practical man- per to preclude its being thrown over the surgical area, Preparation of Subject The surgical field should first be cleansed of any dry dust or particles of filth which may have been thrown there during the resisting struggles of the animal. Having at hand, in a clean vessel, about a gallon of suitable antiseptic solution (a one per cent lysol solution, or formalin one-fifth of one per cent), the scrotum is then rinsed off thoroughly. Operative Procedure The castrating knife and emasculator should be in readiness. The lowermost testicle is seized between the thumb and finger of the left hand of the operator, and a bold incision made parallel with the median raphe for a distance sufficient to insure the free drainage of the wound after the operation has been completed. 29 30 ANIMAL CASTRATION This incision, skillfully made, reaches through all of the serotal wall down to the testicle, yet should not penetrate the testicle proper nor injure the gland. Care in this particular not only minimizes the pain of the subject but in the mature animal obviates the otherwise inevitable result of hemorrhage. If done with care, a moderate degree of traction may be ex- erted upon the testicle to cause relaxation of the cre- master muscle, but undue foree used in such cases may result in rupture not only to the attachments of the cremaster muscle, but to the spermatic vessels as well, and this oceurring within the abdominal cavity causes hemorrhage into the peritoneal cavity, with fatal re- sults. In some cases the power of contraction of the cremaster muscle is so well developed that it resists the efforts of the operator to draw out the cord, and in such cases it is wise to work slowly, holding the cord for a sufficient length of time until muscular re- laxation occurs. The use of quick force is to be avoided, as said before. The emasculator is then ap- plied as close to the scrotum as possible, and the cord and the lower part of the vaginal tunic is severed there. Hemostasis is not aided by the slow closing of the emasculator, and because this deliberation only adds to the pain of the operation, it should also be avoided. Subsequent to emasculation, the scrotal wound may be enlarged to prevent the retention of any wound secretion or infective disturbances. Another method of providing for the free escape of wound secretion consists in the making of an incision through the scrotal wall beginning at the median portion of the margin, carrying the ineision away at a right angle from the median raphe for a distance of about an inch or an inch and a half. CASTRATION OF THE HORSE ol In castrating the normal equine subject, both the scrotal. incisions are made before emasculation is be- gun. Because of the facet that the hemorrhage from the uppermost incision is likely to obseure the sur- gical field, in lateral reeumbeney, it is preferable to remove the lowermost testicle first. To obviate danger of hydroeele, in the castration of mules, there should be removed with the division of the cord as much of the vaginal tunies as can con- Fig. 8—A MODIFICATION OF THE “COVERED OPERATION” The position of the operator’s left hand is such that the testicle is grasped between thumb and index finger, and the vaginal coverings are held in a state of tension, enabling their being grasped within the jaws of the emasculator. This operation is particularly indicated in mules. It prac- tically precludes the occurrence of hydrocele or ‘‘water seed.” veniently be included within the grasp of the emaseu- lator. In this way all of the lower portion of the 32 ANIMAL CASTRATION tunica vaginalis is removed, practically precluding the occurrence of the undesirable condition known as hydrocele or ‘‘water seed.’’ After-Care Where the operation is exeeuted with due regard to cleanliness with sterile instruments and the hands of the operator uncontaminated, local application of any medicament is unnecessary. It is, however, best to squeeze out any blood that is retained about the emasculated stumps of the spermatic cord. The ani- mal should be provided with clean quarters, allowing freedom to exercise—preferably turned out to pasture and kept away from stables and all barnyard soil. Under average conditions no local attention is neces- sary and the operation produces but little inconveni- ence to the subject. Castration of the Normal Mature Stallion For various reasons, occasionally it becomes neces- sary to castrate the horse after he has fully matured, and in some instances the operation is done in the aged subject. The factors met with in handling such cases that merit special consideration are, the problem of practical restraint, the control of hemorrhage and after-care. Season.—One should, if possible, avoid castrating the mature stallion during fly-time and in very hot weather. Hxtremes of temperature have no direct effect upon the outcome of the operation, but these elements in themselves make for discomfort. An un- necessary combination of factors which tend to lower vitality should be avoided if possible. CASTRATION OF THE HORSE o0 Preparation of the Subject.—F'ood should be with- held for 12 hours before operating, and if the subject can be given suitable exercise (walking or trotting for a few miles) before being castrated, it will stimulate bowel evacuation and render the subject more tract; able. Sufficient time should be allowed for the sub- ject to cool off if the exertion has caused him to become heated. Restraint and Anesthesia.— When it is possible, these subjeets should be restrained in the standing position since it eliminates the lability to injury from casting. Some young stallions of saddle or light harness breeds are very nervous, and while manageable as they are ordinarily used, are difficult to restrain for standing castration, and the manner in which the subject is to be handled is a problem that the veterinarian needs to decide for himself. In restraining aged animals be- cause of the danger of fractures of bones resulting, it is best to operate with the animal in the standing posi- tion. The rectal administration of from one to two and a half ounces of chloral hydrate dissolved in two or three quarts of tepid water a half hour before operat- ing, will serve to produce sufficient stupefaction to materially benumb sensation and prevent the animal from resisting restraint. One-half grain of atropin combined with two grains of morphin and given sub- cutaneously about 20 minutes before the rectal admin- istration of an ounce of chloral hydrate, constitutes a synergistic combination that will positively produce a degree of stupefaction which will make possible the safe handling of the most nervous animal. The rectal contents should be manually removed before introduc- ing the solution of choral hydrate. 34 ANIMAL CASTRATION Preparation of the Field of Operation.— The scrotum and surrounding parts should be washed with soap and water and finally with a two per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Compositus. Technic.—The manner in which the operation is performed does not differ in any way from that done in the colt. The uncovered operation is done and great eare should be exercised in making incisions through the testicular covering that are amply large to favor perfeet drainage. The scrotal incisions need to be not only long, but situated in the most pendent part of the serotum to avoid retention of wound secretions after operation. In ‘‘standing castration’’ most operators prefer to use a knife having a hooked blade, and the incisions into the testicular covering are made parallel with the median raphe, from before backward, and through all covering from the scrotum inward, at one stroke of the knife. With a good sharp knife, an experienced oper- ator can in this manner complete the incision almost ) painlessly and at the same time make it in a way that perfect drainage of wound secretions will follow. Any good emasculator will serve to effect sufficient hemostasis for a safe operation, but the animal should be tied up and observed for a few hours after castra- tion. Enforced inactivity for 12 hours after castra- tion, if possible, is desirable. Secondary hemorrhage in the adult is no more likely to occur than in the young colt. After-Care.—The recently castrated stallion should be kept. on pillar reins when not being exercised, and much less infection and swelling will result. He should be given suitable exercise daily and exertion should be active enough to stimulate complete evacuation of all CASTRATION OF THE HORSE Oo secretions that are retained in the serotum. In the average case, exercise is sufficient to prevent extensive edematous swelling. Beeause of the faet that more hemorrhage follows castration of the mature stallion there is retained con- siderable coagulated blood within the serotum. This should be removed 24 hours after castration by gently irrigating with a one per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Compositus if the animal is sufficiently tract- able to admit of such handling without restraint other than the twitch and the holding up of a front foot. If the subject is difficult to manage, one may ordinarily trust to evacuation of the contents at‘ending exercis?. Other complications which may result in no wise differ from those met with in colts and are considered fully in the section cn Castration S¢ quelae. Castration of Cryptcrchid Horses Etymologically, eryptorchid means ‘‘hidden tes- tiele,’? and is applicable to any animal in which one or both testicles are located elsewhere than within the scrotum. Therefore it is applicable to cases in which one or both testicles are located within the ab- dominal cavity or, not having completed their nature descent through the inguinal canal. Usage, however, has restricted the term to animals wherein one or both testicles are contained within the abdominal cavity, not having passed through the inner abdominal ring and entered the inguinal canal. The term monorchid is applied to animals having but one testicle. In human anatomy and surgery this term has been given a different significance, being used to designate an individual having one testicle in the scrotum and the other in the abdominal cavity. 36 ANIMAL CASTRATION For convenience, eryptorchids may be classified as inguinal and abdominal. A varying condition to which attention should be called for surgical purposes is found in those cases where the epididymis has de- scended into the inguinal canal and the inner abdom- inal ring has become constricted about its ligament, confining the testicle proper within the abdominal cavity. This type of eryptorchid or ridgeling is likely to confuse the operator if he has not previously en- countered such conditions. Abdominal Cryptorchidy.—Cryptorchidy is more prevalent in some localities than in others. In some sections of the United States, about three or four per cent of all horse colts are cryptorchids, and in other localities a much larger percentage of animals are thus affected. The large number of cases found in certain localities may be ascribed to the fact that eryptorchid stallions are used in the stud. So markedly hereditary is this condition that in many cases 25 per cent or more of the colts sired by such animals are similarly affected. Most operators have found that where only one tes- ticle is retained, it 1s usually the left. However, in the experience of a few others in some localities the per- centage of animals having the right testicle retained in the abdominal cavity is the greater. A eryptorchid horse is a very undesirable animal from every standpoint; is usually vicious, unsatisfac- tory and unsafe to handle in the presence of mares, and in the majority of instances he cannot be turned out with geldings, because of his vicious disposition. The condition is diagnosed readily in most cases by their abnormally increased sexual desire as compared to the gelding or even the normal stallion, even though no other manifestation of the condition be apparent. CASTRATION OF THE HORSE od The abnormally retained testicle is usually infertile, degenerated, and may be very small and lack develop- ment. In other cases the gland is eystie and rarely there may be found a large dense teratomatous mass. Where history is absent or unreliable, a careful exami- nation of this subject is necessary in order to definitely diagnose the case. The conformation is characteristic because of the lack of development of the hind quarters in the adult; a full erest, strong masculine features of the head and absenee of serotum, are all indicative of eryptorchid- ism, but it is necessary to examine further to deter- mine the exact condition, whether one or both testicles are retained and whether it is the right or left. One cannot be guided in this solely by the presence or ab- Sence of scars in the serotal region; neither is the absence of a palpable stump of the spermatic cord posi- tive proof that the testicle has not been removed, for in some cases, where animals are operated while very young, there is so much atrophy of the stump of cord that it is not discernible by digital manipulation. The condition may be diagnosed by rectal palpation but this method is not practical in field work. Age at Which Operation May be Performed.—The best age at which to castrate a eryptorehid is a subject on which operators differ. It is certain that a two or three-year-old colt is more easily castrated than is a yearling. However, the yearling colt that shows no evi- dence of testicle within the inguinal canal is not likely to manifest any change in this part at a later age and should be castrated if healthy, vigorous and not under- sized. Anatomy.—!t is not our purpose in this brief work to elaborate upon the regional anatomy of the strue- 38 ANIMAL CASTRATION tures pertaining to the eryptorehid. However, some consideration of the inguinal region is in order. In the true abdominal cryptorchid there is necessarily a complete absence of all evidence of scrotum. The structures at this point assume the appearance of an inverted funnel, and horses manifesting this condition are known by ecastrators as ‘“‘blanks.’’ Since no tes- ticle has descended into the canal, the pudie vessels and nerves are closely invested by areolar tissue, and the entire inguinal region in front of the inguinal liga- ment is closed. At the site of the inner abdominal ring we should consider the anatomy of these animals under two general classifications—the one wherein there exists a definite area of delicate aponeurotic tis- sue surrounded by a heavier muscular margin, this be- ing a portion of the aponeurotie part of the inner oblique abdominal muscle; the other class of subjects are those wherein at the site of the inner ring there is to be found a broad expanse of very thin aponeu- rotic tissue with no definite heavy surrounding margin. In the abdominal eryptorehid, the testicle is floating free in the abdominal eavity, contained within its mesorechial covering anchored by the mesorehium in the sub-lumbar region and further attached by means of the gubernaculum testes—a muscular structure at- tached to the postero-external part of the upper por- tion of the inguinal canal. Additional attachment is supplied the floating testicle by means of the vas def- erens, which is continued from the testicle within its peritoneal coverings through the plica urogenitalis to the region of the neck of the bladder. Consequently, in seeking the floating testicle, if the free appendage —the testicle or the epididymis—is not readily located, cither the gubernaculum testes situated at the postero- CASTRATION OF THE HORSE oY external part of the site of the inner abdominal ring or the vas deferens located directly opposite may be sought and the testicle anc cord drawn into the in- euinal canal. Preparation of the Subject.—Unless the cryptorehid horse is mature and the alimentary tract well filled, no preoperative dieting is necessary. However, as in all other major operations, it is best to withhold food for twenty-four hours when circumstances permit. The matter of gaunting an animal for this operation is one which merits considerable attention in that sub- jects that are ‘‘fully made’’ and well ‘‘ribbed up’’ or short coupled and earrying considerable fat are not likely to be rendered gaunt by even thirty-six hours’ fasting. Such subjeets should be put on a light diet of concentrates including a little bran, and in the course of three or four days of such dietetic preparation, the intestinal content will be materially lessened. Restraint.—There is no operation done by the vet- erinary surgeon where restraint is a more important feature. The cryptorchid should be east and very se- curely tied in a position causing him to keep the hocks well flexed and abducted. This is done with the ordi- nary casting harness by having the back strap set well back and by winding the side lines over the gastroc- nemii and about the feet in the form of a figure eight. Where the side lines are crossed over the back of the subject completing the tie of the left leg with the right side line and the right lee with the left side line, perfect flexion and abduction may be brought about. If the animal is not securely restrained with the hocks well flexed and the thighs well abdueted—unless he is under profound anesthesia, any considerable resistance on his part will serve to eramp the hand of the oper- 40 ANIMAL CASTRATION ator by compressing the inguinal region with the thighs and abdominal muscles. There is nothing which is likely to cause more difficulty during the process of the operation than incomplete restraint. Fig. 9—RESTRAINT FOR CRYPTORCHID CASTRATION Attenticn is called to the manner in which the hind legs are flexed, be- cause immobilization of the hind legs in the position as shown here is a very important part of the procedure of cryptorchid castration. The subject in this particular cut, however, has been restrained for removal of a scirrhus cord. Anesthesia.—Cryptorchid castration is a major sur- gical operation, yet where it is skillfully performed and where no unusual conditions are encountered ne- CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 41 cessitating delay in its execution, animals manifest very little symptom of shock as a result, even where no anesthesia is used. However, it is well to admin- ister, per rectum, from 14% to 24 ounces of chloral hydrate dissolved in about two quarts of water twenty minutes before casting the animal. The contents of the rectum should be removed manually by a trained assistant before the solution is introduced in order to vet prompt absorption and a good effect. Surgical Technic.—The field of operation is pre- pared by first washing thoroughly with soap and water, then drying and painting with tincture of iodin. Care should be taken that loose hairs and particles of dirt or filth are not dropped on the serotal region. The animal should be confined in lateral recumbency with the uppermost hoek well abducted by an assist- ant. The skin incision should be made either parallel with the median raphe oi over the external inguinal ring and should be of sufficient length to comfortably allow for the introduction of the hand of the operator. Care should be exercised in incising the skin singe the external pudie veins if wounded will cause sufficient hemorrhage to obscure the field and inconvenience the operator. After having ineised the skin and dartos, the hand with the fingers in the shape of a cone is inserted into the inguinal canal beginning at the region of the ex- ternal ring and pushing into the tissues in the direc- tion of the external angle of the ilium, keeping well back against the inguinal ligament, as there is no dan- eer of making this opening too far posterior. This opening of the canal is continued up to the region of the inner ring. Different operators observe different euides in this part of the work. The throbbing of the 42 ANIMAL CASTRATION femoral artery in the region of the inner ring is used as a guide by some; others seek the ilio-pectineal emi- nenee. During the process of opening the canal, one should earefully palpate the structures to determine whether or not the testicle or the epididymis has de- seended inte the canal and become lodged therein. Dilatation of the margins of the wound will make pos- sible a visual examination, and the depths of the strue- tures may be further explored by eareful palpation. Having made sure that the testicle has not begun its descent, the region of the inner abdominal ring is care- fully explored, and here there is need for a modifica- tion in the technic in different cases as heretofore classified. In the subjeet where the inner abdominal ring is outlined by a muscular margin havine for its central portion the aponeurotie part of the inner oblique mvus- ele and where the surrounding area is firm, rather heavy and unyielding—musceular fibres of the trans- versalis abdominalis and inner oblique muscles, it 1s well to immediately perforate this thin area at the site of the inner ring with the finger. After having per- forated the peritoneum, the finger is immediately turned so as to contact the parietal peritoneum, avoid- ing the possibility of its becoming invested with float- ing omentum. If the testicle, epididymis or any por- tion of the eord is not soon contacted, the operator, by wiping with the finger in the direction of the attach- ment of the gubernaculum testes, seeks this fold and begins to draw upon said structure, bringing the cord within his grasp, whereupon it may be pulled into the inguinal canal, bringing with it the testicle. Some operators prefer to turn the finger toward the pliea uro-genitalis and in a similar manner bring the cord CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 43 within the grasp of the finger, effecting the same result. In the second class of cases there is found a broad expanse of thin aponeurotic tissue in the region of the inner ving. This expanse of tissue is as large as the palm of the hand in most cases and in such subjects it is well to seek some portion of the testicle, epididymis or cord, recognizing the structures by the sense of touch before perforating the peritoneum. This is usually possible in this class of cases, and the oper- ator by expanding the thumb, index and second finger in the form of the base of a tripod, in this region can make provision for the testicle or epididymis being crowded against and within his grasp by intra-abdom- inal pressure. Having seeured in this manner the tes- ticle or epididymis, the aponeurotie tissues are drawn gently downward, and by eareful traction the peri- toneum is drawn into the canal for a varying distance in different subjects. In some eases it is possible to draw down this artificially formed processus vaginalis half the way to the external abdominal ring. This having been done, the peritoneum is usually ruptured with the finger and the testicle is readily drawn out and the operation performed with a 1minimum degree of contamination of the peritoneal structures. Credit is due Professor W. L. Williams for a good deserip- tion of this technie. In the third class of cases, the operator finds in the regien of the abdominal ring that the epididymis has deseended into the inguinal eanal and that the testicle is confined within the peritoneal cavity. In such eases the tail of the epididymis forming an obtuse end is readily recognized. In all cases there is sufficient eon- striction and organization of the inner abdominal ring 44 ANIMAL CASTRATION to prevent the testicle being foreibly drawn down through the ring with any degree of safety. This condition necessitates perforation of the abdominal wall at a point higher than the inner abdominal ring, perforating the peritoneum, securing the testicle and drawing it out of the artificial opening at a point situ- ated supero-posterior to the inner ring. In this man- ner the epididymis is drawn back into the peritoneal cavity and is drawn out, following the testicle. After having secured the testicle where the cord will per- mit of its being brought to the surface, it is readily amputated with the emasculator. In some eases the spermatic cord is very short, necessitating the re- moval of the testicle within the inguinal canal, and this is best accomplished with an ecraseur. lm a class of cases wherein degenerated testicles, cystic, hypertrophic or teratomatous are occasionally encountered, there is need for a departure from the technic usually employed in other eases. Cystic tes- ticles, 1f large, may be secured by means of traction on the spermatic cord and the fluid content aspirated with trochar and cannula. In cases where the retained testicle is hypertrophie, dense and not too large, the operator ean with lubri- cated hand introduced per rectum, crowd the testicle at the same time that traction is exerted on the cord and in this manner effeet its removal from the abdom- inal cavity. Where the abnormal testicle is of very large size, making it unsafe to attempt removal by the inguinal route, a laparotomy is necessary. This operation should not be done, however, until the inguinal wound has healed. The technic is executed with the subject under eom- CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 45 plete anesthesia. The region of the upper flank is cleansed, shaved and painted with tincture of iodin. An ineision through the skin and fascia is made just anterior to the external angle of the ilium, sufficiently large to admit the hand. The muscular structures and peritoneum are perforated by blunt dissection as in eattle-spaying and the testicle likewise is similarly sought. The testicle is brought to the surface of the abdominal wound if possible or if this is not possible ablation of the abnormal structure may be effected within the cavity of the abdomen. The skin and fas- cial incision is closed with a continuous suture of silk, the wound sealed and no after-care 1S necessary ex- cept to remove the sutures in about a week. Where strict asepsis is observed there is little danger of bad result from this operation. After ablation of the testicle has been effected by the inguinal route, the cavity may be packed with sterile gauze which is left in position for twenty-four hours and then removed. However, in the majority of cases no packing of any sort is necessary, and ani- mals are exercised regularly as though they had been normal subjects castrated in the usual manner. Where both testicles are retained within the abdom- inal cavity, the animal is kept in recumbency, turned over and the operation is repeated, both testicles being removed before the animal is allowed to rise. After-Care After-care in delicate animals consists in keeping them in clean quarters and giving them regular exer- cise, thus favoring the escape of all wound secretions and minimizing dangers of contamination by pent up discharges with subsequent troublesome infections. 46 ANIMAL CASTRATION Young colts that have been running on pasture are best turned out immediately and given freedom to exercise at will. If by accident a large rent is pro- duced in the abdominal wall makine protrusion of portions of intestine possible, the inguinal canal should be packed. For this purpose, a liberal packing of cot- ton wrapped in sterile gauze or muslin should be pushed into the canal as far as the inner ring and confined by means of sutures which join the marginal scrotal wounds. To prevent possible eventration, ani- mals so treated should be confined on pillar reins for about thirty-six hours before the gauze is removed and given exercis? in the harness or at the lead and not given liberty to le down for at least five or six days. Inguinal Cryptorchids (High Flankers) Subjects affected with inguinal eryptorchidy are not as troublesome and undesirable as are abdominal eryptor- ehids, but they are more so than normal stallions. Cryptorehids are undesirable for breeders even when fertile, therefore castration is always in order. Restraint.— Animals are cast and tied exactly as are the abdominal eryptorchids; see description on pages 39 and 40. Technic.—Because of the fact that in inguinal eryptorchids the eremaster muscle has the power of re- tracting the testicle and drawing it high up in the canal, this type of eryptorchids is in some instances as difficult to castrate as the true abdominal ridgeling. The tech- nie for handling these cases is executed in the same manner as is done in the castration of the abdominal cryptorchid up to the point of perforating the abdom- inal wall. The testicle is readily located within its vaginal covering in the canal, and the tunics are pref- CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 47 erably incised with the hooked blade castrating knife. As soon as the small incision is made into and through the vaginal tunics, some portion of the testicle may be squeezed out through the opening, and amputation of the gland is then readily accomplished. The small opening thus made into the vaginal tunies is easily enlarged after the testicle has been amputated, which IS necessary. After-Care.—These cases require no more after-care than is given to the ‘‘straight’’ colt at the time of castration, and the type calls for no special consider- ation except for the purpose of classifying them as a distinct and separate class of eryptorchids. In these cases the testicle has descended into the canal, the processus vaginalis has been pushed downward and the vaginal tunies formed in such manner as to make them differ from the true abdominal ridgeling. In such abnormal cases of course, no serotal pouch has formed, but in most instances the testicle is readily felt by palpation of the inguinal region. There are occasional cases, however, where it is impossible to locate the testicle in this manner. Hernize To be considered under this heading are hernix, in- euinal and scrotal, of foals—a condition due to a loose and lax state of the inner abdominal ring permitting the descent into the inguinal canal of a loop of intes- tine, which may descend as far as the scrotum. In the typical case of inguinal and serotal herniw as seen in foals the loop of intestine is confined within the tunica vaginalis communis and on the outside of the tunica vaginalis propria. Strictly speaking, it is a condition wherein the loop of intestine has taken its way along- 48 ANIMAL CASTRATION side the testicle and inner vaginal tunic, and the tes- ticle only is contained within its mesorchial ecovering— the tunica vaginalis propria. This is most common in foals at or soon after birth, and in the majority of cases causes no particular imeonvenience; they are not likely to become strangulated, and in most subjects, spontaneous recovery is the result before the colt reaches the age of six months. As a general rule, operation for the relief of the condition in foals of a few weeks of age is quite unnecessary, as complete re- covery so generally follows in the course of sixty days. It is well, however, to inform the client of the possi- bility of hernia at the time of castration, even though the colt is not altered until he is a year old and re- covery has apparently existed for a few months. Where it is thought necessary to operate to correct the condition, the covered operation for castration is indicated and should be performed as deseribed in the technic of this operation on page 28. Sequel Accidents from Restraint.—In the handling of ani- mals for castration, particularly where they are cast and tied, even with the employment of great care and skill, injuries such as serious fractures, contusions, strains and bruises may sometimes occur through the resisting struggles of the subject. Fracture of some part of the vertebral column is a fatal accident that is especially liable to occur where aged animals are cast, or where the subject is over-rebellious against confine- ment. Symptoms of this injury differ, depending upon the site of the fracture. In the majority of instances, such fractures occur in the dorsal region and a para- plegia results. The animal remains prostrate, unable CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 49 to raise the hind parts or regain its feet. If a thorough examination shows positively that such a break exists, the case should be pronounced hopeless and the sub- ject destroyed at once. Fractures of tuberosities or of long bones may hap- pen likewise, and are to be treated as fractures re- sulting from other causes; that is, if it is the kind likely to yield to treatment. The animal is properly confined in slings and partial or complete immobiliza- tion effected according to the best methods usually employed. Animals resisting confinement sometimes suffer from Strains, rope burns, or contusions. While such condi- tions are not common, where subjects are carefully handled, the chent should be informed of the remote possibility so that the veterinarian may not be held responsible for the occurrence of such accidents. Occasionally if an animal is kept confined for an undue length of time in recumbeney, atrophy of the longissimus dorsi muscles occurs within ten days or two weeks after the animal has been so confined. Such cases are treated along the same eeneral lines as atro- phies resulting from other causes, and prompt and complete recovery usually follows. Hemorrhage.— Hemorrhage following castration hap- pens more frequently in some animals than in others, but for this purpose they may be considered in two classes,—primary hemorrhage and secondary hemor- rhage. Primary hemorrhage is seldom of any serious consequence except in cases where faulty instruments are employed in foals, not effecting complete macera- tion of the cord and causing spermatic hemorrhage. These cases are readily recognized, as the blood from the spermatic artery spurts with each pulsation and D0 ANIMAL CASTRATION requires immediate treatment. Because of the facet that retraction of the cord takes place to a marked degree within the vaginal sheath containing it, it 1s not easy to ligature the cord after it has been closely amputa- ted. Having at hand two pairs of hemostatic forceps, the operator may seize the end of the cord with one forcep, drawing out the tissues as far as possible, and then by seizing the cord again with the other foreep, the bleeding stump is brought to view. After securely clamping the forceps over this stump, a heature may be applied; a good stout needle with silk thread is passed through the cord above the foreep and the lga- ture is fastened tightly after having been wrapped around the stump. No further treatment is necessary although it is best to remove the ligature in about ten days. In some eases, because of the cramped position of the animal cas‘rated while recumbent, there occurs some little venous hemorrhage; this, as a rule, how- ever, Subsides as soon as the animal regains its feet. Should this condition persist to a great degree, the scrotum may be packed with sterile gauze or muslin and the packing confined in situ by means of scrotal sutures, to be removed in twenty-four hours. As a rule primary hemorrhage from castration properly performed, is of no consequence, and spontaneous ces- sation of the hemorrhage is the rule, within the course of a few minutes, therefore these cases should not alarm the operator. Secondary hemorrhage from this operation is a con- dition which is probably due to a state wherein the blood does not normally coagulate,—a condition found perhaps more often in the spring of the year in ani- mals that are not thrifty. Such hemorrhage is not ——— CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 51 noticeable for several hours after the operation has been performed, but if within twelve to twenty-four hours after a colt has been castrated, a steady loss of blood from the spermatic vessel is evidenced, the case should receive prompt and drastie attention, as these hemorrhages may continue for a few hours, yet they have been known to persist for days, rendering the animal anemic and weak, and causing death in some instanees. If much blood has been lost, the animal should be east and the stump of the cord securely heatured as deseribed for primary hemorrhage. Shock.—In some cases the attendant fear and un- natural interference of a surgical operation bring about a distraught condition of the nervous system, known as surgical shock, this state being characterized by manifestations of pain, muscular tremors, labored breathing, more or less sweating and acceleration of the pulse, which in the later stage becomes somewhat feeble. Animals so affected exhibit these symptoms to a greater or less degree, and the result may be either a slight or serious disturbance of bodily functions causing discomfort or it may result in death according to the organism of the subject. Colic.—This disturbance is sometimes manifested af- ter the castration operation. It is more likely to affect animals of a nervous temperament, and is the conse- quence of the excitement and resistance incident to being restrained. The symptoms and treatment of such cases do not differ from those of colic produced by other causes. It is well to take the anticipative measure of withholding food for at least twelve hours before operating on these highly strung, nervous ani- mals, as colic may be attended by fermentation and serious trouble follow. D2 ANIMAL CASTRATION Hernia.—In some rare instances where animals re- sist confinement very violently, and where there exists a very loose and large inguinal ring, a loop of the intestine may be pushed out through the inguinal canal, and hernia or even eventration result. In these cases, the condition demands prompt handling; the protruding intestine should be supported by a sling of canvas or other suitable fabric, the subject confined in dorsal recumbeney, and the hernia reduced. Re- duction by taxis is possible with the subjeet under complete anesthesia. The cavity should be carefully packed with cotton wrapped in sterile gauze and this packing confined by strong sutures which jom the edges of the scrotal incision. If this ean be accomplished before damage is done the protruding viscera, there is some hope of recovery, but the animal should be kept quiet and in the standing position for several days. The subject should be only moderately exercised and not given freedom for two or three weeks. Swelling of the Scrotal Region and Scrotal Ab- scess.—Swelling of the serotum and sheath following this operation is not uncommon and in many instances is not to be ascribed to faulty technie nor lack of proper after-care. When vitality is at low ebb in colts that have been wintered badly and castrated in the early spring, the circulation is enfeebled and they are quite prone to exhibit this condition after the opera- tion. In some instances the retention of large quan- tities of smegma within the sheath causes the external prepuce to become greatly swollen, this swelling later extending in all directions and a marked edematous condition of the lower abdominal walls may continue for a week or two. In other eases, because of slight swelling which follows the operation, coaptation of CASTRATION OF THE HORSE D3 the marginal wounds of the scrotum takes place and the retained coagulated blood subsequently becomes infected and is naturally followed by considerable swelling. Exercise tends in all cases to minimize post- operative swelling. In the case of the enteebled ani- mal manifesting much swelling, it is advisable to ad- minister stimulants and searification of the pendent edematous swollen parts should be done, and where the swelling involves the scrotum proper, the wounds should be reopened, this being readily done with the thumb and index finger. A layman may be instructed to do this with safety, if he is cautioned to introduce the previously cleansed fingers into the wounds, and by means of a bold thrust tear asunder the newly formed adhesions, thus permitting the escape of the pent-up secretions and coagulated blood. Following such manipulation, the subject should be exercised im moderation even though force must be used to make it do so. Nutritive and laxative diet and good hy- gienic care are necessary. Subjects so affected are best kept at pasture and away from lots and stables. Scrotal Fistula...Where the draining of a scrotal abscess is neglected, the condition results in invasion of the tissue juxtaposed. Fistulous tracts are usually found coursing along the sides of the sheath parallel with the median raphe. Where these conditions are neglected, chronic inflammation results with hypertro- phy and the formation of considerable cicatricial tis- sue and permanent enlargement of the sheath. Such eases should be treated surgically by making suitable drainages and removing with the curette or other appropriate instrument, all detritus, and injecting the parts with tineture of iodin. After-care consists in D4 ANIMAL CASTRATION allowing the animal sufficient exercise to prevent too early closure of drainage openings. Post-Operative Peritonitis.—This condition is a se- guel of the generalization of local infection and is more likely to occur in depleted animals that have been improperly castrated or in animals that have been tnfeeted at the time of castration through the use of septic instruments or careless manipulations. Like- wise the transmission of streptocoeciec organisms and their introduction while castrating, are very likely to result in fatal peritonitis; however, peritonitis thus developed is not always fatal. It is manifested by symptoms of lethargy, inappetence, stiffness, rise in temperature of from two to five degrees above nor- mal, acceleration of the cireulation and a tueked up appearance at the flank. The subjeets are not inelined to move about much, but remain standing generally, becoming restless in the later stages, and lying down, rolling about and getting up again by turns. Loeally there is found issuing from the inguinal region, a sero- sanious fluid, and animals exhibiting this affection should be given prompt local treatment to establish drainage. Laxatives, together with stimulants, should be administered, and the appetite tempted with any 290d, wholesome foed. Scirrhus Cord.—This enlargement is developed by infection involving the spermatic cord either because of its becoming impinged between the serotal wound margins and remaining thus exposed for a sufficient length of time to allow contamination, or it may be a sequel of serotal abscess. In some cases it 1s said to be caused by botrymyecotie invasion. The condition is essentially chronic and is characterized by an indu- rated necrotic enlargement of the spermatic cord in- CASTRATION OF THE HORSE ay) volving the tissues adjacent. Animals so afflicted may manifest little uneasiness or discomfort except at cer- tain periods when the affected parts become greatly swollen, causing local soreness, pain, and some lame- ness. The necrotic process results in the formation of more or less pus which eventually makes its own outlet. The secretions are discharged and in the course of a few weeks the wound closes and the process recurs again in the same course of time. This slowly de- structive affection may cause the tissues involved to assume proportions quite large, and is painful and in- convenient for the animal. The condition is distin- ouished from hydrocele and hernia by its dense and hypertrophic character which involves the surround- ing tissue as well. Treatment.—The subject is cast and confined as for eryptorchid castration, and a rectal administration of J14 or 2 ounces of chioral hydrate dissolved in a quart of tepid water twenty minutes before operating, 1s suggested. The surgical field is cleansed as for castra- tion; the cicatricial pendent portion of the seroium is secured with vulsellum foreeps and an elliptical in- cision is then made including the tissues thus grasped. By dissecting around the pear-shaped mass, the ne- crotie structures are separated from the tissues ad- herent, taking care not to include too much healthy tissue. Thus the mass is carefully separated up to a point where the cord is in a healthy state, and ampu- tation of the mass with the eeraseur is effected. Jn the average case, it is found that the cord is diseased within the inguinal canal only and it is exceedingly rare that the involvement extends as high as the inner abdominal rine. However, there are recorded cases where the cord has been affected into the abdominal 56 ANIMAL CASTRATION cavity and such cases are, of course, inoperable, since it is not ordinarily reasonable to attempt to amputate the cord at a point higher than the inner abdomina! ring. Hemorrhage is controlled during the operation by means of forceps if any very large vessels are encoun- tered. In this operation, however, there is generally much oozing of blood and the dissection is usually done rapidly, consuming as little time as possible. The cav- ity is snugly packed with sterile gauze to be held in position by suturing, and this will control the possi- bility of hemorrhage during the twenty-four hours it is to be left in the cavity. After-Care.— After attention consists in allowing moderate exercise and applying locally if conditions require, a dry dressing powder by means of an insuf- flator. In botryomyeotic infections, potassium iodid is of value. Hydrocele.—Hydroecle, commonly known as ‘‘water seed,’ is an affection frequently found in males where a portion of the tunica vaginalis becomes involved in such a manner that a eyst-like enlargement results. It is more often seen in mules. The operator should remember that this condition is generally the sequel of an imperfectly performed castration where the tu- nica vaginalis has not been freely opened, or where the lowermost portion of the tunie was not amputated at the same time the cord was divided. Symptoms.—Symptoms of hydrocele are the exist- ence of a fluetuatine enlargement occupying the posi- tion of the testicle,—this to be distinguished from her- nia in that it is irreducible and somewhat more dense, —and also there is a marked constriction and presence of dense tissues at the point of attachment at the CASTRATION OF THE HORSE oT stump of the cord which is detected by palpation and which is not found in hernia, Treatment.—Subjects so affected should be cast and tied and the area of operation prepared as for castra- tion. An elliptical incision is then made in the sero- tum, to include the castration sear. By careful dissee- tion the eyst-like cnlargement is separated from the tissues without eutting through its wall, up to a point where it is attached to the cord, and ablation is then effected by means of the emasculator or ecraseur. This operation 1s a very simple one if the wall of the cyst is not perforated, and when this enlargement has been removed completely, with the amputation of the cord at or above the site of adhesion of the vaginal tunies, recurrence ol this affeetion is not possible. SE GMMON IY, CASTRATION OF THE BOS The serotum of the bull is located more anteriorly than is that of the horse, and is more pendent, having the long axis of the testicles vertically situated. The cremaster muscle is large and well developed. The spermatic cord is very long, and after the attachment of the cremaster mucle has been severed, the cord will allow of the testicle being drawn well out from the serotum. In no other consequential way does the anat- omy of the structures direetly concerned in castration of the bull differ from that of the horse. Males of the bovine species should be castrated at a very early age to obtain the best results, but since this is not always convenient, castration is often de- ferred until the animals reach the age of six or eight months. Therefore, subjects under this heading shall be considered with respect to their varying ages. Ani- mals four months of age or older are preferably han- dled in the standing position as it requires less time in that manner and is more convenient and practical than when the subject is confined in recumbency. Castration of Young Calves.—When possible, the male calves should be castrated while very young,— as they are easily handled even when only two or three days old, are but shehtly ieconvenieneced and apparently suffer no shock from the operation. These subjects should be restrained in reeumbency, for, as a rule, they are not particularly resistive and may be easily held by an assistant. In most young subjects the serotum is covered with hair and the testicles are 59 ANIMAL CASTRATION 60 (,s[ewiuy oysewodg ey} Jo Awd}euy,, S,uOSSIg WoIy uayeT) “TTA HHL AO See) IVLINGD AHL AO MAIA TVAENAD—O! “4 991489, [, (Uva ke | | hpog | swuhipyprd ay | | J GIYILO JDLYIILN DULL sn] eG ayosnut SNSOULIUDI -OQINE (pauado) synuwna Down J, swuad fo quauinbr) huosuadsngy A eee) aqoysoud fo fipog Hf SYDUUAS DINNSA A CASTRATION OF THE BOS 61 so very small and undeveloped that it is somewhat difficult to secure the testicle for the purpose of incis- ing the scrotum. To follow a very practical and econ- venient method of castration, have in readiness an operating knife with a pointed blade, then by seizing the fundus of the scrotum with the thumb and finger, the instrument may be thrust through the serotum at Fig. 11—CASTRATING THE YOUNG CALF Showing manner in which the scrotal incision is made; also a practical methed of restraint. right angles with the median raphe. The location of this puncture is sufficiently remote from the bottom of the scrotum to insure an amply large and free open- ing of both sides of the pouch by carrying the incision through the tissues and simultaneously opening both halves of the scrotum. An incision is then made in the vaginal tunics, this being done by seizing the tes- ticles which remain encapsulated within their serous 62 ANIMAL CASTRATION coverings, and the operation is completed by exerting a moderate degree of traction on the exposed testicle, and dividing the cord by seraping with the knife. With the employment of this technic the operation is quickly and almost painlessly accomplished, hemor- rhage is avoided, perfect drainage is provided for and Fig. 12—RESTRAINT OF CALF IN STANDING POSITION FOR CASTRATION The subject is securely tied by means of a lariat or halter, and an assist- ant further restrains it by holding the tail. The operator is shown in the act of removing the end of the scrotum by means of a transverse incision. the serotal pouch is left nearly intact. All details being carefully observed, the subject requires no after- care. Castration of Calves.—Under this heading, animals of two months of age or older shall be taken into con- CASTRATION OF THE BOS 63 sideration. Such subjeets when healthy and vigorous are more easily eastrated in the standing position, be- ing confined in a stanchion and held against the side of the partition by an assistant, or, after catching the animal by the head with a lariat rope, snubbing it to a post, and having the assistant grasp the subjeet by the tail, holding the hind parts firmly against a fence or partition. Fig. 133—SHOWING POSITION OF OPERATOR, ALSO LINES OF INCISION PARALLEL TO THE MEDIAN RAPHE OF THE SCROTUM INDICATING LOCATION OF INCISIONS Unless the scrotal region is badly soiled, no partic- ular cleansing of the parts is necessary. The operator takes his position behind the animal, seizing the scro- tum in such manner that a vertical incision may be made on the lateral sides of the scrotum, exposing the testicles with one stroke of the knife. All tissues should be divided from without, within,—that is, from 64 ANIMAL CASTRATION the outside inwardly,—ineluding the vaginal tunies as indicated in the wncovered operation. The attach- ment of the cremaster muscle is then severed, and with moderate traction upon the cord, the testicle is drawn downward as much as the structures will permit with- out danger of fibrillary laceration. The cord may read- ily be amputated by means of an emasculator. Some operators prefer to remove the fundus of the serotum and in this manner expose both halves of the pouch; this procedure is followed by grasping the fore- most portion of the skin and dartos whereupon the subject, by means of contraction of the cremaster mus- cle, usually elevates the testicle to such a degree that as much as one-third of the scrotal pouch may be divided by one bold incision directed at right angles with the median raphe. This method provides for clear drainage, but because of the incidental sacrifice of a large portion of the scrotal pouch, steers are deprived of what is termed the ‘‘purse’’ or ‘‘cod,’’—an unde- sirable condition in the fatted animal, according to many fanciers. For the completion of this method of castration, the operator follows the procedure that has just been outlined in the preceding paragraphs under this same heading. After-Care.—The only after-attention to be consid- ered is the provision of clean quarters for the subject, unless the operation is performed at a time when flies are prevalent, when trouble is likely to arise from that source. The animals are best turned out to pasture if the weather is not cold. Castration of Mature Bulls.— Mature subjects of this species are prone to suffer considerable hemorrhage following any ordinary operation for castration unless ligatures are employed. These animals are handled CASTRATION OF THE BOS 65 best in the standing position, confined in a stanchion or simply tied with a halter, and as a rule, no special precaution is taken for the safety of the operator. It is possible to employ a rope which is passed around the body of the animal in the region of the flanks, and drawn quite snugly for the purpose of subduing the patient to some extent should it be necessary; in that it prevents the animal from kicking, it 1s a wise pre- Fig. 14—RUEFF’S METHOD OF CASTING This mode of casting is very practicable with most subjects that are not too large and strong. cautionary measure. In the case of vicious subjects, they may be cast with English hopples to enable the operator to do his work conveniently and without dan- ger. When bulls are confined in the standing position, the surgeon takes his place behind the animal, and scrotal incisions are made as described in the opera- tive technic for younger animals. Likewise the 66 ANIMAL CASTRATION lower attachment of the cremaster muscle is severed and the testicle drawn downward by means of mod- erate traction. The exercising of ‘‘unlimited’’ torsion by rotating the testicle on its long axis fifteen or twenty revolutions before applying the emasculator, will serve to further prevent the possibility of serious hemorrhage. Some operators prefer severing the cord by employing traction and ‘‘unlimited”’ torsion until the structures are almost completely divided, cutting only the more dense remaining structures, and in this manner preventing severe hemorrhage. It is also pos- sible to divide the cord by exercising ‘‘limited’’ tor- sion, employing for the purpose a heavy compression foreep which is clamped upon the spermatic cord as close to the inguinal canal as it can be placed. By means of this foreep, torsion is restricted to such point on the cord as is confined within the grasp of the for- cep, and by twisting the testicle and rotating the cord on its long axis, the structures are simply ruptured by twisting,—the forecep serving as a restricting agent, thereby limiting the extent of torsion. After-Care.—Immediately after being castrated, the subject should be kept in clean quarters and allowed room for sufficient exercise to insure the eseape of wound secretions and to minimize post-operative swell- ing. In fly-time it becomes necessary to apply certain repellent agents such as earbolized oleum picis. To promote the welfare of the subject it should be given a laxative diet. Cryptorchid Bulls Cryptorehid bulls are either interstitial or abdem- mmal,—the latter being those cases in which the testicle may be found floating within the abdominal eavity. YASTRATION OF THE BOS 67 Interstitial eryptorchids are those where the testicle is concealed in the subeuticular abdominal structures lateral to the external prepuce. ‘To establish classifi- cation wherever possible, it is well in all cases of erypt- orchidy to carefully examine the region of the animal’s flank for the likely location of the testicle m this vicinity. Preoperative Preparation of the Subject.—lood should be withheld for a period of twenty-four hours, and administration of a pound of magnesium sulphate twenty-four hours before operating, is in order. Restraint._For this operation animals are prefer- ably confined in the standing position, being restrained in a suitable stanchion or crowded alongside a wall or partition, by means of a stout pole. Thirty minutes before operating, the subject should be given a drench of from one to two ounces of chloral hydrate dissolved in one or two quarts of tepid water. Technic.__The flank region anterior to the exter- nal iliae spine should be freed of all hair by clipping, and the field properly cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution. An incision is then made as for spaying, between the anterior angle of the ilium and the last rib,—this incision being directed downward through the skin and fascia,—and by blunt dissection the ab- dominal muscles may be separated, the operator foreing his hand through the abdominal wall into the perito- neal cavity. Exploration is then made of the pelvic portion of the cavity, as in spaying, and as a conven- ient guide, it is well to note the shaft of the ilum. The operator then seizes the urogenital fold, and the cord is readily and quickly traced from this point, the testicle is brought to the surface and removed with the emasculator or spaying scissors. The skin and fascia 68 ANIMAL CASTRATION wound is closed by means of a continuous suture and the wound margins smeared with pine tar. No after- care is necessary but if convenient, it is well to re- move the sutures in about a week. Interstitial Cryptorchidy.—In cases of this type the testicle is often found concealed in the lower abdom- inal wall, usually covered by the skin and fascia, and located in the region of the flank or alongside the sheath. The testicle may readily be recognized by its firm contour, and is secured by ineisine the skin and faseia directly overlying it, and thus exposed, the tes- ticle is removed with the emaseulator. The skin in- cision is not necessarily sutured as the usual location of the testicle in these eases is such that a very small opening will enable the operator to secure and_ re- move it, and the position of the wound provides for eood drainage. No after-care is customary. Sequelee In the castration of adult or aged bulls, resultant post-operative hemorrhage is a condition frequently encountered, and beeause of the sometimes serious con- sequences, it becomes urgent that the veterinarian ob- serve well and follow the preventive measures pro- vided for in the suecessful performance of this opera- tion on mature animals. Where the operator employs a good emasculator or eecraseur and takes reasonable precaution against hemorrhage, fatality is not likely to result frem the operation. Where hemorrhage ex- ists in a degree not evidently death-producing, the internal administration of atropin in a full physiolog- ical dose will prove very beneficial. The confinement of the subject in inactivity in a tie stall for from 24 to 48 hours will also favor spontaneous hemostasis, and CASTRATION OF THE BOS 69 the additional use of hemostatic agents such as exsic- eated alum, iron subsulphate, or air slaked lime, ap- plied locally by means of an insufflator, is of great aid. In cases of profuse hemorrhage and where the hfe of the subject is endangered, he should be cast, ‘‘hog tied,’? and the serotum packed with gauze held in position by means of serotal sutures,—this packing to be earefully removed in 24 hours. It is most impor- tant that animals so affected be kept in clean quarters and without privilege of exertion for at least 24 hours, and in the days immediately following this treatment they should be allowed only a limited amount of ex- ercise. In these eases, the serotal wounds must be given careful attention, subsequently, to observe and_ pre- vent the closing of the drainage opening, which might result in serious infection. In about 48 hours, if the coagulation of blood has rendered the continuance of hemorrhage improbable, an irrigation of the wound with a one per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Com- positus will be beneficial. Following castration of calves, venous hemorrhage is of frequent occurrence, but in these cases the loss of blood is not of sufficient amount to cause serious disturbanee, and no attention is necessary other than to restrict exercise and keep the subject under obser- vation lest the hemorrhage continue to a degree de- manding treatment. Remedial efforts should be fol- lowed in these subjects the same as deseribed for the bull. Internal Hemorrhage.—Internal hemorrhage may result where undue traction has been exerted upon the cord, causing rupture of the spermatic vessels at a point within the abdominal cavity, either with or 70 ANIMAL CASTRATION without obstruction of the inferior inguinal region. This accident is characterized by the symptoms which attend all cases of internal hemorrhage, such as an acceleration of the heart, weak pulse, unsteady gait, paleness of visible mucose, muscular tremors, and finally labored breathing, collapse and death of the subject. Treatment generally proves futile in eases where profuse hemorrhage exists, but in some in- stances, such agents as atropin, which decrease vaseu- lar constriction, may be of service; the intravenous injection of normal saline solution in moderate quan- tities, is also beneficial in some cases. Animals so af- fected should be kept quiet and unnecessary disturb- ance avoided, Infection of the Wound.—While bovine subjects seemingly are very resistant to ordinary infection, yet post-operative infections do occasionally occur, due in part to the inertia following the shock of the opera- tion of castration. This inactivity enhances post-oper- ative swelling and edema, which make for the retention of wound seeretions and coagulated blood. In the course of two or three days under these adverse condi- tions, infection takes place and the subject manifests evidence of intoxication from the absorption of prod- ucts of bacterial activity thus incited. Where bulls are castrated in cold weather under unfavorable conditions, and not provided with proper shelter, this element of cold combined with the ani- mal’s marked disinclination to exercise after the oper- ation, does not conduce to increase the powers of resist- anee, but favors serious infectious disturbances, and losses on this account occur. Symptoms.—Symptoms of post-operative infection consist In the general inclination of the animal to seek CASTRATION OF THE BOS 71 quiet and isolation,—the refusal to eat only certain things, if any,—a painful local swelling and a notice- able tendency on the part of the subject not to move about. Where the infection is serious or becoming eweneralized, there is fever, constipation, disturbed cir- culation, increased thirst, the frequent changing of position from that of standing to recumbency, and death may follow within the course of three or four days. Treatment.—If taken early before any material gen- eralization of the infection has taken place, the con- fining of the subject in recumbency and the free open- ing of the scrotal wounds and irrigation of them with a one per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Compositus, is helpful. A purgative dose of magnesium sulphate will aid in correcting the condition and the daily irri- gation of the serotum with the solution just mentioned is generally all the local treatment that is necessary for recovery. The treatment is to be continued for several days until the animal has improved and the wound assumes a more nearly healthy condition. Where the subject has been negleeted until there is evidence of considerable generalization of the infee- tion attended by fever, inappetence and soreness, with disinclination to move, the prognosis is not, as a rule, favorable. Sueh cases should promptly be purged, and if possible, supported with stimulants such as strych- nin, aleohol or echinacea-angustifolia. The scrotal wounds should be freely opened and curetted, and this should be followed by frequent irrigation of the wounds with suitable antisepties. The subject should receive the best care and made as nearly comfortable as possible. Contamination by Flies.—The larve of Lucilia ma- 72 ANIMAL CASTRATION cellaria may do considerable damage by way of contamination of the castration wounds. When this condition prevails, the animals should be confined suit- ably, the wounds curetted, and immediately irrigated with chloroform or aqua ammonia. This procedure includes the regular irrigation with a suitable antisep- tie solution, following, and further prophylactic treat- ment consists in the local application in proper sus- pension, of agents that are repellent to the fly, most of these mixtures containing tar or napthalene, and being suitable for this purpose. SEECRION Wail CASTRATION OF SHEEP Lambs are generally castrated at about two months of age, and while these animals are not as hardy nor as resistant to surgical interference, as are some ani- mal subjects, under the proper conditions mortality from eastration is usually very low. Since the anat- omy directly concerned in the castration of sheep is similar to that of the bull, no deseription of these structures need be given here. Restraint.—Subjects should cither be confined in lateral recumbency and held by an assistant as though hog tied, or they may be seated in an upright position and thus supported between the knees of an assistant who may secure within his grasp a front and hind leg on each side of the animal. In this attitude, the dor- sum of the subject is held against the body of the aid, and the serotal region is thus placed in an accessible position for the operator. Technic.—Where the element of time is not to hinder, preoperative elipping of the hair or wool over the scrotum should be done. This is followed by serub- bing the parts with a one per cent solution of lysol or Liquor Cresolis Compositus, and the operation is completed exactly as indicated in the section on eas- tration of the bull. After-Care.— Postoperative attention consists in the provision of sanitary and comfortable quarters, and since this operation should not be performed during fly-time, no especial after-care 1s ordinarily needed. eo Mo 74 ANIMAL CASTRATION Sequelz Owing to the difficulty of securing the testicle in lambs, there is considerably more manipulation of the parts generally necessary at castration, than there is for the same operation in calves and pigs, and this, of course, offers greater possibility of infection. Fur- thermore, the wool about the scrotum being longer, that, also, is a more frequent source of contamination in lambs. However, fatalities from infection are relatively low in sheep except in the event of tetanus. Some corrals wherein sheep are kept seem to become seeded with an unusual amount of tetanus infection, and the re- sult is that about 25 per cent of the lambs castrated in herds having access to such corrals, die of tetanus. Even the utmost surgical precaution or purchasable preventives that the average owner will countenance, will not serve to curb this virulent germ onee it gains headway in a herd. The recurrent loss, year after year, from this disease, can only be prevented by changing the location of the corral or by using an- other method of castration. Where tetanus is prevalent in a herd and they can- not be moved to sanitary quarters, perhaps the best means of castration is the use of rubber bands placed tightly about the scrotum. If the bands are dipped in tincture of iodin before being applied they occasion no raw surfaces and tetanus does not follow castration by this method, even in the worst infected localities. However, this method of castration by ligating the whole scrotum is inevitably painful and should not be resorted to in any case except where the danger from tetanus makes it imperative. SLC IMO) IN| WALL CASTRATION OF SWINE Restraint With the exception of very large old boars, swine are generally confined in lateral reecum- beney for the castrating operation, and unless the ani- mal weighs in excess of 200 pounds it may be held by an assistant without the aid of ropes or cords. The subject should be placed on the left side for the right- handed operator, the assistant holding the pig’s right fore leg and hind leg together within the grasp of the hand as indicated in the cut. The assistant’s knee rests upon the neck of the subject and with the left hand he holds the lowermost hind leg. If the animal is particularly vigorous and resistive, the operator may help to secure him by resting his left knee upon the uppermost ham of the subject. Some old boars attain the weight of 700 pounds and more and when these large animals are castrated, the operation is performed while they are in a standing position, confined by means of a rope, the noose of which may be applied about the upper jaw; the other end of the rope being tied to a post. In most instances the animal resists confinement by pulling backward upon the rope sufficiently to keep it taut, and he is usually so occupied in this manner that the operation can be done without the use of additional means of re- straint. Because of the fact that they sometimes try to squat and seat themselves upon the buttocks in such a manner as to render the operation impossible, it be- 75 76 ANIMAL CASTRATION comes necessary in these cases to resort to the use of a pole, which should be pushed under the flanks and serves aS a lever of the second class, preventing the ani- mal from assuming the sitting posture. Technic. — The scrotum should be thoroughly serubbed with a 2 per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Compositus before being incised, although in the major- ity of cases for ordinary practical work, this precau- tionary measure is not taken. Because of the manner in which swine are usually kept, it is doubtful if this semblance of preoperative cleansing is of any benefit when eastrated animals are returned to their unsanitary and filthy pens as soon as the operation is completed. A good, free incision is made through the skin and dartos parallel to the median raphe, taking care to open the serotum sufficiently low to insure perfect drainage of the wound. This clear drainage is most important for the prevention of post-operative disturb- ances such as infection resulting in secirrhus cord, of which we shall make mention later. The wneovered operation is employed in the norma! animal and the testicle exposed by means of one bold incision. The attachment of the cremaster muscle is severed, allowing the ready withdrawal of the sper- matie cord, and in very young animals the operation is completed by exerting forcible traction on the cord, causing its division by a sudden jerk which at the same time produces hemostasis. In old boars ablation of the testicle is done by means of the emasculator, or unlimited torsion may be employed and the cord divided by seraping with the knife. After-Care.—No especial after-care is required ex- cept that the castrated animals should be placed in clean quarters, or preferably kept at grass. Access CASTRATION OF SWINE ie to dust wallows and old straw stacks should be pre- vented, as this is a source of much serious infection, Sequelxe Castration operations in swine are seldom attended hy severe hemorrhage, as spontaneous hemostasis usu- ally takes place before an alarming loss of blood has occurred. In the case of old boars there is evidenced some manifestation of shock following the operation, which is characterized by more or less restlessness and symptoms of colic. Such patients should be allowed absclute quiet and no other treatment will ordinarily be found necessary. Scirrhus Cord.—This affection is relatively com- mon and develops where animals so affected are not given proper attention early. A general unthrifty con- dition of the animal follows which sometimes results fatally. It is well, then, for the operator to note the sources of this ailment. Causes.—Perhaps the most frequent contributing factor to the etiology of this condition is the making of a scrotal incision that is not sufficiently large, or is located at a point that is decidedly too high to permit the cseape of wound secretion. Also, if the spermatic cord is divided too near the testicle, allowing the amputated end of the cord to become adherent to the scrotal wound margins and thus exposed, infection of this structure ensues with the formation of a scirrhus involvement which attains bulky proportions resulting in rapid depletion and emaciation of the subject. Treatment.—When handled early before much hy- pertrophy of the cord and attendant neerotie involve- ment of adjacent tissues has taken place, prompt re- 78 ANIMAL CASTRATION covery is stimulated by the making of a free incision into the tissues, exposing the affected cord, and the removal with a curette of the neerotie tissue followed by the injection of tincture of iodin. Where a large encapsulated mass exists indicative of much tissue pro- liferation, there is need for either complete removal of the degenerated structures or their destruction by means of chemicals. In cases where the diseased cord and surrounding hypertrophic mass attain very large proportions, the complete surgical amputation of such structures is accompanied by fatal shock in many in- stances. Experience has taught that in cases where the secirrhus cord constitutes as much as eight or ten per cent of the body weight of the subject, its com- plete removal by surgical means is likely to result fatally. These cases are therefore best treated by mak- ing a free opening into the encapsulated mass which is adherent to the end of the cord, and allowing escape of the usually ichorous contents. This having’ been done, the cavity may be packed with three or four drams of powdered copper sulphate, which is held in place by means of absorbent cotton. Injection of tine- ture of iodin following this first treatment in about two weeks is sufficient to bring about complete recov- ery in most cases. Where the diseased cord with proliferation of tissue has assumed the form of an cneapsulated mass that is not too large, the surgical removal by dissection and amputation of the diseased stump of the cord with the emasculator is indicated. The cavity should be packed with sterile gauze which is retained in posi- tion by means of serotal sutures, the gauze to be removed in 24 hours. No further after-care is ordi- narily necessary. CASTRATION OF SWINE 79 Scrotal Hernia Occurrence.— This condition is of frequent occur- rence in swine and is noticed at or soon after birth, probably 90 per cent of all cases being congenital. A small percentage of cases manifest the condition a few weeks after birth, and sometimes this state may not be noticeable until the animal is about two months old, such cases being undoubtedly the result of injury, with a hereditary predisposition probably as a contributing factor. Classification.— or convenience, herniw of swine shall be regarded in two classes: intra-vaginal, which comprises the major portion of all cases, and extra- vagal, or interstitial, the more uncommon. The intra- vaginal hernia is a condition where the protruc- ing portion of intestine is lodged alongside the cord between the tunica vaginalis intima and tunica vagi- nalis reflexa. In such cases the tunica vaginalis re- flexa is intact, and the bulk of intestine extending as far as the scrotum may be quite considerable, or, as is often the case, the herniaed mass may be very small. In extra-vaginal or interstitial hernia there exists a rent in the tunica vaginalis reflexa permitting the pro- tusion of the ectopic intestinal structure in the inter- stice outside of the tunica vaginalis reflexa. Depending upon the exact location of the rent in the tunica vagi- nalis reflexa, it becomes necessary to modify the tech- nique for the correction of the ailment. If the rent happens to be situated near the inner abdominal ring, the covered operation for castration usually done will not serve to reduce the condition. In such eases the ligation of the cord including the vaginal sheath will not close the rent, it being situated anterior to the SO ANIMAL CASTRATION point usually chosen for the application of the hga- ture. Treatment.—The method of correcting this condi- tion is essentially surgical, and affected subjects should be cared for when about a month old. It is possible to defer the handling of such cases until the animals weigh from 60 to 75 pounds, but it 1s more desirable in every way to operate on suckling pigs while they are very young. Preoperative preparation consists of withholding all diet from 12 to 24 hours. They should be kept in clean quarters to render more nearly possible a thor- ough cleansing of the surgical field. Anesthesia. No anesthesia is ordinarily employed in the performance of this operation, although the administration per rectum of a solution of fifteen orains of chloral hydrate dissolved in an ounce of water, twenty minutes before operating, is advisable. This will produce sufficient depression to minimize pain and greatly lessen struggling and resistance. Restraint.— When subjects weigh 25 pounds or less, they may be confined by hanging them over a parti- tion or board fence by means of cords or straps at- tached to the hind legs, with the animal’s belly pre- sented toward the operator. Larger animals may be restrained upon an improvised table or door, tilted at an angle of about 45 degrees, allowing the head to hang lowermost, thus favoring gravitation of the vis- cera toward the diaphragm. This position is more comfortable for the heavier animals and also adds to the convenience for the execution of the technic. Technic.—In cases of antra-vaginal hernia where the amount of intestine protruding is not great, and CASTRATION OF SWINE (oe) pe the subjects are treated while young, the ordinary covered operation for castration is indicated. The scrotal region is thoroughly serubbed with soap and water if much soiled. If the animals have been kept in clean quarters, it is only necessary to serub off the parts with a little gasoline or aleohol and then paint with tincture of iodin. An incision parallel with the median raphe is made through the skin and dartos, and carried very low to favor drainage and also to permit the application of a ligature closer to the inner abdominal ring than would be possible were the incision made at the usual site. After having exposed the vaginal tunic by a careful dissection, the areolar tissue is broken down, severing the attachment between the tunica vaginalis reflexa and adjacent structure. This dissection must be carefully done to avoid injuring the vaginal tunie, which is generally very delicate. It is not desirable to rupture this structure until it has been severed free from ad- joining tissues to a point along the inguinal canal under the pubis. Dissection having been completed, the testicle is seized while confined within the vaginal tunic, and a heavy pair of compression forceps are clamped over the cord and its enveloping tissue, as high up as possible, taking care that no portion of intestine is confined within the grasp of the foreep. This having been done, a needle armed with a stout piece of sterile silk is passed through the cord and ear- ried entirely around the cord and its coverings, and securely tied. Amputation of the cord at a point about an inch from the ligature is then effected and the scrotal wound is closed with a continuous suture of heavy silk, leaving a small opening at the lowermost 82 ANIMAL CASTRATION point for drainage. No especial atter-care is necessary in these cases. Technic for the Correction of Extra-Vaginal Hernia.—In cases of extra-vaginal hernia, or in any ease where the amount of intestine protruding into the vaginal tunie adjacent to the testicle is consider- able, it becomes necessary to execute a different opera- tion than the one heretofore deseribed. The animal should be restrained upon an inclined improvised table with the head lowermost, and given complete anesthesia of ether or A. C. E. The sur- gical area—region of the groin—should be cleansed with gasoline and painted with tineture of iodin. Serving as a guide, the inner abdominal ring may first be located by palpation, and an incision about four inches long is then made over this site and paral- lel with the course of the vaginal tunie. The tissues are divided by careful dissection and the upper in- guinal region thus exposed makes possible the incising of the vaginal sheath, bringing to view the cord and intestine, provided the intestine has not returned into the peritoneal cavity by gravitation. The margins of the wound made in the vaginal sheath are then seized with forceps and the hernia is reduced. The eord is secured and the testicle drawn outward and ampu- tated with an emasculator or ligatured with gut and severed with scissors. After amputatine the cord and trimming away any excess portions of the vaginal tunic, the cord is then pushed into the peritoneal cav- ity and the inner abdominal ring is closed by a four or five-point purse-string suture of sterile chromic eut. The skin wound is closed by means of silk sutures and no further attention need be given the subject except to provide clean, sanitary quarters, where they will be unmolested by other animals. SE CRION WW LE CASTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS Restraint and Anesthesia.—For this operation does are restrained preferably on some sort of operating table where they may be muzzled and unless they are very large or vicious they may be held by one assistant. Anesthesia is not employed unless there exists some pathological condition which renders the operation painful and tedious. Sporting dogs sometimes receive injuries involving the scrotum and doing some damage to the testicles, necessitating the removal of one or both glands, and if attention has not been given to them until the structures have become greatly inflamed, the operation may be considered too painful to per- form without anesthesia. In anesthetizing dogs, morphin, atropin, or H. M.C. may be given about an hour before administering chloroform or dilutions of chloroform, such as A.C. E. In the handling of eats, the operator should ever re- member that these subjects are nervous, highly sensi- tized creatures and require considerate, gentle care. For the purpose of castration, they should be confined by rolling them up in a blanket or heavy rubber sheet, and this must be done quickly to avoid an encounter which might result in injury to the operator, No anes- thesia is necessary in the castration of the cat under normal conditions. If the operation for any reason, seems likely to be a difficult or severe process, the ani- mal may be anesthetized with A. C. EB. 83 84 ANIMAL CASTRATION Technic—In dogs as well as in cats, the hair should be carefully clipped away from the scrotum be- fore operating. In the long-haired cats, this is quite essential, and the surgical field should be cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution. The scrotal incisions are made parallel with the median raphe, exposing both testicles, as indicated in the wicovered operation, and this may be done before amputation of either of the glands is attempted. The distal attachment of the Fig. 15—SHOWING MANNER OF RESTRAINT OF MALE CAT FOR CASTRATION cremaster muscle is severed which allows protrusion of the cord without resistance. Particularly is this essen- tial in eats as it 1s then possible to obviate any danger of the amputated end of the cord becoming adherent to the scrotal wound margins and causing loeal irritation or subsequent infection of the cord. The cord is preferably severed with an emasculator, or in eats, serrated scissors may be used. In the eastra- CASTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS 85 tion of puppies there is no danger of serious hemor- rhage, but in the adult operation where the emascu- lator is not employed, it is urgent to exercise care in the manner of division of the cord, to prevent hemor- rhage. Cats are preferably castrated when they are about six months of age, if in good health, and if the operation is done at this period, there is no attendant danger. In the adult or aged cat, hemorrhage is more likely to occur, although not to the extent that it is in the castration of dogs. Older eats sometimes suffer considerable shock and should be given 1-500 grains atropin sulphate twenty minutes before operating. After-Care.—For healthy, normal dogs, castrated in the proper manner, no after-attention is necessary, as the wound inflicted does not seem to occasion serious inconvenience and infection of any seriousness seldom ensues. When possible, cats should be given the freedom of their accustomed haunts and left unmolested, for when confined in strange quarters they often become con- stipated. Loeal infection resulting in intoxication is likely to result fatally, if the subjects are not given careful post-operative attention. Sometimes because of local swelling, it is necessary to enlarge the scrotal incisions two or three days after the operation has been performed. Treatment in these cases consists in the removal of necrotic tissue with a curette, or simple irrigation with a mild antiseptic solution. To avoid complications a laxative diet should be given. Cryptorchid Dogs and Cats Cryptorchidy is oceasionally found in these subjects and while the veterinarian is seldom ealled upon to 86 ANIMAL CASTRATION operate, it is sometimes necessary to perform this operation even in localities where small animal sur- gery is infrequently done. The condition in these sub- jects 1s closely analogous to that encountered in larger animals. Ectopic testicles are sometimes found in dogs, and in one case handled by the writer, the testicle in a cat was so firmly adhered inside the inguinal canal that only with great difficulty was it removed. Technic.—Preoperative preparation consists in the administration of a laxative, and if the rectum is filled with dry fecal matter, an enema is given. The animal is put under a general anesthetic and confined upon the operating table in position for laparotomy. A lib- eral area is shaved in the pre-pubie region of dogs and in the flank of cats, and an incision made of sufficient length to permit of visual examination of the peri- toneal cavity. The hidden testicle is sought by trac- ing its course from the uro-genital fold and when located is removed by limited torsion of the cord, or with an emasculator. The abdominal wound is then closed by means of a continuous suture of No. 0 chromic gut, including the peritoneum and abdominal muscles. The skin and fascia are united by means of another continuous suture of silk, leaving a small opening at one end for drain- age. With the exception of the drainage opening, the wound is sealed with flexible collodion, and the surei- cal field is covered with absorbent cotton held in posi- tion by means of a bandage. No after-care is necessary other than to administer a suitable regimen and to take every precaution to pre- vent constipation. The skin sutures should be removed in five or six days and complete recovery generally en- sues within ten days or two weeks. SE GRIONEX CASTRATION OF BIRDS (CAPONIZING) The castration of the male fowl gives it a good mar- ket demand as a table delicacy, and when this opera- tion is properly done at an early age, the capon attains abnormal development and the fiber and flavor of the flesh are greatly improved thereby. Age.—The best results are obtainable by operating just before the combs are formed, or as early as it 1s possible to distinguish between the sexes. Preparation of the Subject.—Withhold all food for 36 hours and water for 12 hours. Restraint.—Arrange for the work a suitable table. One may be improvised by using the head of a barrel, covering it with a clean piece of oil cloth or rubber sheet. Confine the fowl by means of cords and suit- able weights, grasping and holding the two wings within a noose with a weight attached to hang on one side of the table, and attaching a similar expedient to the feet, suspending this weight directly opposite the one which confines the wines. Technic.—Prepare the fowl by plucking a few feathers from the surgical area which ineludes the vicinity of the last intercostal space. In this manner enough skin is bared to allow of its being displaced sufficiently to make an incision in the skin, which, when the structures are released will not match or coincide with the next incision to be made between the last two 87 88 ANIMAL CASTRATION ribs. After making this intercostal incision, a speculum is introduced gently for the purpose of separating the ribs, and with a good overhead light, the peritoneal cavity is sufficiently illuminated to permit a good view of the region of the testicles, which are light in color and just anterior to the kidneys and very close to the aorta. Removal of the testicles is effected by means of adaptable snares or forceps, taking extreme care to in- clude all testicular tissue within grasp of the instru- ment, so that not even a microscopic portion of the gland may be left attached. Sufficient secretion will persist if any testicular tissue is left in the situ, that the result is what is known as a “‘slip,’’ or an imper- fectly castrated bird. The operator should also be very careful to avoid injuring the aorta as fatal hemor- rhage invariably results. Some castrators remove both testicles from the same side, removing the one lowermost, first. However, the average operator finds it more satisfactory to make an incision on each side, removing one testicle at a time. Suturing of the wound is unnecessary, as the skin which has been displaced, when released, will cover the wound between the ribs. After-Care.—No especial after-care is urgent other than that comfortable quarters with low roosts be pro- vided, and the birds should be observed from 24 to 48 hours afterward as their movements may result in the entrance of air into the incision in some cases, and bloating occurs; the removal of air in these instances necessitates the puncturing of the skin. PART TWO CASTRATION OF FEMALES (SPAYING, OOPHORECTOMY, OVARIOTOMY) SE GMO@N A VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY OF THE MARE (CHARLIER’S METHOD) Not infrequently it beeomes necessary to castrate mares for the correction of ailments involving the ovaries. The principal disturbance caused by degen- erative changes in the ovaries, is nymphomania, which So often causes viclousness that mares thus affected are very unsatisfactory in service at the time of the estral period, displaying various undesirable traits such as kicking, biting and striking, and many of them are line grippers. Maniacal symptoms always predominate in these mares and their frequent stopping to eject small amounts of urine and the protrusion to view of the erected clitoris, makes them repulsive as well as harmful. When consulted, veterinarians should urge the un- sexing of such animals as it is the only sensible mode of correcting this condition. Other corrective opera- tions have been performed, resulting in recovery in some cases, but they are not to be recommended. Am- 89 90 ANIMAL CASTRATION putation of the clitoris has been known to cause the complete cessation of the manifestations of nympho- mania, the pain and discomfort inflicted on the animal being sufficient to check the signs of sexual desire, but where there is involvement of the ovaries, such an operation is an irrational procedure inasmuch as it does not tend to remove the cause. Caudal myectomy has also been resorted to in line grippers to correct this vice, and while it effects a greater degree of safety in the driving of the mare, this, too, fails to reach the actual cause and except to correct the habit of line eripping is not to be encouraged. The condition of nymphomania still continues in spite of clitoridectomy or caudal myectomy. Preparation of the Subject.— Mares should be given a purge 48 hours before the time set for the operation, and they should be dieted, receiving only very light concentrates, including bran. Restraint and Anesthesia.—Subjects may be han- dled either in the standing position without complete anesthesia, or confined in recumbency and anesthetized with chloroform. The standing operation is preferable as it renders a eood technic much easier of execu- tion. Partial anesthesia may be accomplished by the administration of two or three grains of morphin given subcutaneously, and an ounce of chloral hydrate given per os ina eapsule. These agents should be given about an hour before the operation is performed. The tail should be bandaged from the base outward for about eighteen inches and then tied to one side. For restraint a stanchion or stocks may be employed, or the mare may be held by means of a hippo-lasso and twitch. If confined within a stanchion, a cross bar should be placed just a little higher than the hocks, and the CASTRATION OF FEMALES wil subject crowded back to assume a position in close contact with the cross bar, precluding the elevation of the hind legs which might endanger the operator and injure the animal as well. The subject should be pre- vented from lying down by means of girths, and a rope or strap should be passed over the back. ; Fig. 16—A FORM OF HIPPO-LASSO Illustrating a suitable mode of restraint for vaginal oophorectomy of the mare by means of a form of hippo-lasso as employed by the author. Preoperative Preparation and Technic.—The ex- ternal perineal region is then serubbed with soap and water, and the vaginal canal irrigated with a one-half of one per cent solution of lysol. Pledgets of cotton may be used to swab out the vaginal canal, though this is not imperative. The introduction of water in the vaginal canal stimu- lates a ballooning of its walls. This is a normal physio- logical function vested in this structure and makes 92 ANIMAL CASTRATION the walls very tense—a condition which greatly facili- tates the performance of the operation. In some mares this tensity of the vaginal walls does not continue for a very long time and while the injection of additional quantities of warm water may cause ballooning to recur, this procedure is unnecessary, as the operator ean, by placing the end of a blunt embryotomy hook against the inferior vagino-urethral juncture, just be- low the external os, and gently pushing forward, tense the wall sufficiently to incise the vaginal wall with safety. Making the incision through the vaginal wall is the most dangerous part of this operation, as it is easily possible to wound the aorta or one of the iliac arteries, if the utmost care and thought are not exercised in this move. As a matter of precaution these vessels should be located by palpation, this is readily accom- plished as their pulsations are easily recognized. Because of the changed relationship of the strue- tures when the vaginal wall is ballooned, the knife is simply thrust forward, but if the wall is tensed by artificial means, the incision is made in an upward and ferward direction, and under these conditions there is more likelihood of the large vessels becoming injured should the animal struggle when the incision is made. The lubricated hand conveying an ordinary hooked eastrating blade or other suitable knife, is introduced and an opening made in the wall very near the median line of the superior vaginal wall in the immediate region of the fornix; this incision should at first be long enough to permit the penetration of the finger, and may be enlarged by simply forcing the other fingers eradually, and finally the hand, through the vaginal wall into the peritoneal cavity. Caution should be CASTRATION OF FEMALES 93 taken to avoid separating the peritoneum from the muscular portion of the wall, lest a pocket or sae be formed which in retaining wound seeretions would be likely to cause local post-operative infection and result in generalized septic peritonitis. There is little danger of doing injury to the vessels or to the rectum, however, if the operator uses a reasonable degree of care in his work. Finding the Ovary.—The hand is pushed through the incision in the vaginal wall into the peritoneal cavity and thence turned downward and forward, and the body of the uterus may be readily located. The horns of the uterus bifureate at almost right angles, and by tracing them out, the ovary is found suspended by means of the broad ligament; it is then secured within the grasp of the fingers and drawn into the vaginal canal if the lhgament is sufficiently long or lax to permit this. In some mares the ovary seems to be suspended in a rather elevated position in the sub- lumbar region, and the broad leament is really broad and short, making it impossible to bring the ovary down through the vaginal wall into the canal. In such cases, it is best to twist the ovary a few turns causing the expansion of its supporting Hgament to be- come grouped in a cord-like mass. This readily allows the structure to be grasped by the spaying emasculator or ecraseur, and facilitates amputation. After having removed the ovary by means of a suit- able spaying emasculator, it is confined within the hand and the other ovary is removed in the same manner. If it is possible—and it usually is—to draw the organ into the vaginal canal before amputating, it is left in the canal until both are severed; thus both are re- 94 ANIMAL CASTRATION moved from the canal at the same time and the hand is not withdrawn until the operation is completed. After-Care._No attentive after-care is necessary following this operation except that the animal should be observed for a few hours as colic sometimes occurs. Mares should be given a laxative diet and observed daily lest constipation result because of the pain which attends defecation for a few days after the operation. Results.—In cases of chronic nymphomania in older mares where the condition has existed for a few years, complete recovery from it should not be expected im- mediately. The process is gradual and sometimes not completely satisfactory for a few months. This operation has been performed ander very ad- verse conditions in fillies eighteen months of age (nor- mal animals) with results which justify the advisability of spaying in every case of nymphomania. Done with reasonable skill, the mortality from this operation is very low. SE CRON TI VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY OF THE COW The general reason for castrating cows is for the purpose of removing one or both ovaries when diseased. In certain cases of degenerative involvement of one or both of the ovaries resulting in the animals being ‘‘Bullers,’’? cows are spayed with the object of fatten- ing them for market. In some cases where one ovary becomes hypertrophie and considerably indurated as a result of eyst formation, and nymphomania develops in an otherwise good milk cow, it is advisable to remove the diseased gland. Some authorities claim that spay- ing, if done at the proper time, prolongs the period of lactation for several years. This method of spaying is employed in animals suffi- ciently large to easily permit the introduction of the hand into the vaginal canal, and is preferable to making the flank incisions because there are no exposed wounds resulting. This technic may be employed with safety during fly-time without any especial after-attention. Preparation of the Subject.—Food should be with- held for 24 hours and a purgative dose of magnesium sulphate given 12 to 18 hours before operating. Restraint and Anesthesia.—Animals are preferably confined in the standing position within a stanchion or narrow Stall, it being unnecessary ordinarily to resort to the use of ropes or other appliances to further hold the animal if the head is closely and securely fastened. 95 96 ANIMAL CASTRATION One to one-half ounces of chloral hydrate dissolved in a quart of water given as a dreneh twenty minutes be- fore the operation is begun will serve to diminish sensi- bility very materially. Technic.—The tail should be tied to one side and the external perineum thoroughly cleansed with soap and water and the vaginal canal irrigated with a one- half of one per cent solution of lysol in warm water. In cows it is necessary to employ a vaginal speculum or to use other means for tensing the wall, as it does not balloon as in mares. The wall having been tensed, which may be done as described in the chapter on spay- ing mares, the operation is conducted exactly the same as this operation on a mare, the operator remembering, however, the difference in the disposition of the uterine cornua, and that the ovaries are suspended in a some- what different manner than in the mare; yet, by trac- ing out the horns from the body of the uterus, no diffi- culty should be encountered in locating the ovaries. After-Care and Results.—No after-care is necessary ordinarily. The animal should be allowed a moderate degree of exercise and given a laxative diet. In ani- mals that are chronic ‘‘Bullers,’’ where there is a sink- ing of the sacro-sciatic hgament, a flaccid condition of the vulva and the existence of almost perpetual estrum, it is not reasonable to expect that the removal of a diseased ovary will effect a complete correction of the ailment. SHELTON CASTRATION OF HEIFERS The current demand for desirable breeding animals has reduced the practice of castration of heifers, a pro- cedure quite common in the past. It is not done ex- tensively at the present time, except in a few instances where range eattle are spayed to avoid the confusion of brands—the obvious result if ‘‘open’’ heifers were sold and put at large on the ranges. This operation is also neeessary at times for the profitable feeding of virgin females for market. Age.—The best age for spaying heifers is before their first estral period, but since this operation is done by the flank route, it is sometimes impossible, as their first estral period may manifest itself during midsum- mer, and it is not best to operate during fly-time if it is possible to do it at any other time. Preparation of the Subject.—Heifers at grass re- quire no preoperative preparation except the withhold- ing of food for 24 hours and water for about 12 hours preceding the operation. This allows sufficient time for the evacuation of most of the intestinal content and makes for a more comfortable handling of the case, for both the operator and the subject. Restraint.— Animals should be confined either in the standing position or in lateral reecumbeney. If han- dled in the standing position, and large numbers are to be spayed at once, it is advisable to build a suitable 97 98 ANIMAL CASTRATION chute, this chute connecting by means of a long run- way with a small lot or corral, enabling the expeditious management of large numbers without undue delay or accidents. The head should be held by means of stanchion bars, and the animals may be prevented from lying down by means of girths or cross bars. A gate should be pro- vided for on the side of the chute to permit ready access to the flank of the subject. When animals are handled in large numbers in the recumbent position they are usually confined by means of ropes with the aid of saddle horses and are cast and ‘“stretehed.’’ A rope about the neck including one or both front feet, is held taut also by means of a horse and rider, and another rope about the hind legs serves to confine the animal on its side. This position, how- ever, has the disadvantage of over-tensing the abdom- inal muscles, and it is preferable to secure the upper hind leg only. This may be done by an assistant hold- ing the same as illustrated in the accompanying cut. Preparation of the Surgical Area.—In young heifers, it is best to operate on the left side, but in larger ant- mals, because of the bulk of the rumen, it 1s perhaps found easier to invade the right flank. The hair is clipped from a liberal porition between the external iliac angle and the last rib, just below the transverse lumbar process, and this area is scrubbed with a two per cent solution of Liquor Cresolis Composi- tus or some other suitable antiseptic. Operative Technic.—An incision is then made with some good spaying knife through the skin and fascia, of proper length to enable the ready introduction of the operator’s hand. It is a matter of personal choice as to which particular style of instrument is to be CASTRATION OF FEMALES 99 employed in this operation. The skin having been in- cised, the point of the knife is thrust into the abdominal musculature for a sufficient depth to allow the introdue- tion of a finger into the structures for the purpose of separating muscular fibers and these are separated by forcing the hand through the structures. It is wise to avoid transverse division of the muscular fibers, more prompt healing of the wound results if the intercrossing muscular fibers are not severed, as spontaneous closure of the incision occurs almost immediately after the hand has been withdrawn from the peritoneal cavity. The ovaries are sought by introducing the hand into the peritoneal cavity, keeping it in immediate contact with the parietal peritoneum and turning the hand in a backward direction toward the shaft of the ilium. For the beginner this may serve as a landmark, and he may carry the hand from this point to the pubis, there locating the bladder; and immediately above the bladder, the body of the uterus is easily found. By tracing out the bifureatine cornua, the ovary situated opposite the point of entry is first secured and ampu- tated by means of suitable scissors or spaying emas- culator. The instrument is introduced alongside the forearm of the operator, and the amputation of the ovary is done within the peritoneal cavity. The re- maining ovary is removed in a like manner and the hand is withdrawn then, bringing both glands with it. The abdominal muscles and peritoneum are not sutured. The skin and fascia are united by means of two or three interrupted sutures of heavy linen or silk material. This is done by means of a large, heavy spear-pointed needle, and this part of the operation may well be delegated to an assistant where animals are handled in large numbers. If it is necessary to 100 ANIMAL CASTRATION operate in fly-time, the wound should be covered with pine tar and no after-care given except that the ani- mals should not be allowed the run of premises where it is possible for them to overeat. They should be eare- fully herded for the first 24 or 48 hours in order to prevent their being obliged to travel any great dis- tanee for food and water. Results.— Mortality from this operation is very low. Facts show that in competent hands, the fatalities from restraining and handling of the animals are far ereater than those caused by the surgical operation or sequele direetly resulting therefrom. The losses may be esti- mated at from one-fourth of one per cent to two per cent where conditions are favorable. SE GRIONA KV CASTRATION OF SOWS As has been said of heifers, the increased demand for sows suitable for breeding purposes has led to a noticeable conservation of these animals. The females of better stock are too valuable for spaying, generally, and those that are fed for market are usually fattened before the estral period attending puberty materially interferes, or else they are bred while being fattened. Preparation of the Subject.—I'ood and water should be withheld 12 hours before operating, and the animal should be kept in clean quarters for a certain limited time prior, so that the skin may not be in a badly soiled condition. Age for Operating._Sows are best handled from two to four months of age. Restraint.—The animal should be confined upon some suitably improvised operating table which is positioned in a sloping manner to cause the head of the subject to hang considerably lower than the hind quarters, and either the right or left flank of entry is convenient. Preparation of the Surgical Area.—The hair is then clipped from a liberal space in the flank region ante- rior to the external angle of the ilium, and the field cleansed by means of a swab and gasoline and imme- diately painted with tineture of iodin. Technic.—In small sows, an incision of sufficient size to admit one or two fingers, is made through the skin, faseia and abdominal mucles. With large adult 101 102 ANIMAL CASTRATION animals, it is necessary to make an ample opening for the introduction of the operator’s hand into the peri- toneal cavity. The ovaries then are sought and will be found in much the same manner as described for the castration of other females, being attached to a very long and lax broad ligament which will permit of their being brought to the surface and amputated on the outside of the peritoneal cavity. The skin and abdominal mus- cles then should be united by means of from two to four interrupted sutures, using braided silk for this purpose. It is not essential to suture the peritoneum. The wound should be covered with pine tar and no after-care iS necessary except that the animals be given freedom of clean quarters, preferably at grass, and where other animals will not molest them, SECON WV CASTRATION OF THE DOG (SPAYING) A veterinarian’s ability as a general practitioner is often estimated by the results he has achieved in the unsexing of female dogs and there are few opera- tions that he is ealled upon to perform which are more likely to bring him into disrepute among his cli- entele if the outcome is not perfectly satisfactory in every respect. As there are some cases where the execution of a good technique is almost impossible where the operation is done without proper facilities, by one not thoroughly accustomed to doing it, it there- fore behooves the veterinarian to familiarize himself with every detail of this operation. Females of the canine species, especially those of the larger breeds which lead an outdoor life, should certainly be castrated if undesirable for breeding pur- poses. This applies also to female house dogs in the city which not only are a source of a great deal of annoyance in a neighborhood, but are likewise very troublesome to their owners, if not closely confined at certain periods. Moreover, the promiycuous gath- ering of all sorts of males occasioned by a female at large when in heat, constitutes a direct menace in the spreading of various diseases such as distemper, mange, and even rabies, Age for Operating—Animals that are in a healthy condition are generally operated on between the ages 108 104 ANIMAL CASTRATION of six and nine months, and there is no good treason why it should not be done at even an earlier age. In eollies or certain breeds of watch dogs, spaying is best done at the age of six months, as there is a tend- eney toward the accumulation of too much fat when this operation is deferred until the subject has matured. Operating during the estral period should be avoided if possible. While estrum is manifested by a conges- tion of the vulva, yet marked congestion of the ova- ries and oviduets persists in some eases for weeks after external signs of estrum have subsided. Anatomy of the Structures Directly Concerned.— Since these animals are multiparous, the uterine cornua are well developed and the body of the uterus is small and rather undeveloped. The horns are supported by the broad ligaments which are of sufficient growth usually to permit the ovaries being readily drawn to the surface of an abdominal incision made at the linea alba. The ovaries are almost completely eneapsulated within the broad ligament; the size of the oviduets varies materially in different subjects and not in pro- portion to the size of the animal,—those having been pregnant possessing oviduets proportionately larger than those found in puppies not having reached the age of puberty. During the estral period, the oviducts, because of their congestion, are very large, and this fact serves to confuse the inexperienced operator whose tactile sense has not been trained to guide hin. There are no other structural differences of the gen- italia sufficiently important to warrant further con- sideration, Preparation of the Subject.— Where the operation is performed in a hospital equipped with proper facili- ties for the safe handling of animals, the subject should CASTRATION OF THE DOG 105 be given a bath, food withheld for 24 hours, and the intestinal traet emptied by giving a dose of castor oil, and later enemas. Animals should not be confined within a cage con- tinuously during the process of preoperative prepara- tion, but should be taken out to encourage urination and defecation. There are oceasions when the veterinarian is obliged to operate without the advantages of hospital facili- ties and sometimes he is required to perform the oper- ation when he eannot give the patient proper prepa- ration, but this has been done with good results in the more hardy breeds; however, in view of the pos- sibility of an unsatisfactory outcome, it is not wise to follow this practice even in the cases of animals hav- ing the more rugged constitutions. Restraint.— The subject should be muzzled and con- fined on an operating table or the body suspended by means of tapes which are looped about the hind lees and hung upon nails driven in a wall. If a table is available, the position of the animal may be changed with ease and this greatly facilitates the execution of the operative technic in that the tension of the mus- cles of the abdominal wall at the site of operation may be diminished if necessary, by changing the posi- tion of the body from perpendicular to almost hori- zontal, Anesthesia.—This is one operation where there is every reason for the employment of anesthesia of some kind, and yet it is a deplorable fact that many animals have been barbarously handled by inhumane operators none too skillful in this branch of surgery. None of our patients tolerate morphin or anesthetic compounds containing morphin better than does, and there is no 106 ANIMAL CASTRATION excuse for any veterinarian not employing morphin or some compound containing it, even though he has no ‘Fig. 17—THE ABOVE REPRESENTS A PRACTICAL MODE OF RESTRAINT FOR SPAYING. THE SUBJECT SHOWN IS UNDER COMPLETE ANESTHESIA skilled assistant at hand. H. M. C. has proved a very satisfactory agent, or CASTRATION OF THE DOG 107 when available, a morphin and atropin combination given subcutaneously about an hour before operating, is a good practice. The amount of morphin eiven varies somewhat with different operators, but from one-half to one grain of morphin with 1-100 erain atropin may be given animals weighing about 25 pounds, or larger doses may be used with safety where no other anesthetic is used. The administration of morphin an hour before the operation, usually causes sufficient nausea and retching to empty the stomach,— a very desirable effect in a subject that has not been prepared for the operation. Where a trained assistant is obtainable, anesthesia is completed by the adminis- tration of either A. C. E. or chloroform. Care should be taken during the administration of the anesthetic, as a sudden change in position of the subject from the horizontal to the vertical with the abrupt throwing of the weight of the intestines upon the diaphragm, is likely to cause arrest of respiration. Where no operating table is in use, the position of the body should be shifted gradually, and where animals are simply hung by the hind legs, the change of position must be accomplished with eare. Preparation of the Surgical Field.—F or a linea alba incision, a liberal area in the prepubie region is lathered and the hair shaved from a space from two to four inches wide, extending as far forward as the xiphoid cartilage. The soap is then removed with a mild anti- septic solution and the skin dried and painted with tine- ture of iodin. Towels may be folded in sueh manner as to cover all the unshaved area, and these may be suspended by means of intestinal clamps or other for- ceps having limber jaws, by clamping the towels upon the skin over the region of the tensor fascia lata. 108 ANIMAL CASTRATION Fig. 13—-SHOWING MEDIAN LINE INCISION, IMMEDIATELY POSTERIOR TO THE UMBILICUS CASTRATION OF THE DOG 109 Operative Technic.—A median line incision is made which is carried forward to the umbilical cieatrix. This incision is generally made an inch and a half in length though in some instances a two-inch incision is preferable. The tissues are divided carefully, and by means of dressing forceps one of the wound margins may be drawn aside, enabling the operator to closely observe and recognize the tissues as they are exposed and divided. Some animals possess considerable fat which hes between the subcuticular fascia in the ab- dominal muscles, and this interferes somewhat with the vision of the line of incision as it is carried through the abdominal muscles. In such eases, one may remove a portion of this fat by means of scissors, or an assist- ant may, with the aid of a pair of forceps, retract the wound margins enabling the operator to observe and recognize the tissues as they are divided. After having exposed the peritoneum, this may be punctured by means of a tenotome, taking care not to injure the bladder should it be greatly distended and lying immediately in contact with the peritoneum at the site of the incision. Following the perforation of the peritoneum, the incision may be enlarged by use of peritoneal scissors or with the aid of a grooved direc- tor; by lifting and tensing the peritoneum, it is readily divided with the scalpel or tenotome. It is best to avoid enlarging the peritoneal opening by tearing as this makes it impossible to control the direction of the rent and an oblique or even a transverse rent may be produced which is rather difficult to suture properly. Finding the Ovaries.—T'wo general methods are em- ployed for locating the ovaries—one by retracting the wound margins, exposing the viscera to view and seiz- ing the uterine horns with forceps withdrawing the IG) ANIMAL CASTRATION ovaries without introducing the fingers into the peri- toneal cavity. The other method consists in the intro- duction of the index finger into the cavity, and by tactile sense, seeking and removing the structures. It is a matter of opimion with different operators as to which method is preferable, so we shall describe the latter one, just mentioned. The index finger is introduced into the peritoneal cavity, and for the beginner it is well to at once locate the bladder which hes direcily in contact with the floor of the abdomen in the prepubie region. In some cases the bladder will be found to be greatly distended and here it is well to apply a quantity of absorbent cotton against the external genitals, lest manipulation cause evacuation of some of its contents and add this possi- bility of contamination to the exposed wound margins and peritoneal cavity. After locating the bladder, the operator will readily find the body of the uterus lying just dorsally thereto; following out the uterine horn from its bifureation, it may be crowded against the parietal peritoneum and brought to the surface and by employing traction upon it, the ovary is then carefully drawn out of the cavity for amputation. In some eases, because of the close attachment of the ovary, it be- comes necessary to arch the spinal column of the sub- ject to enable the withdrawal of the ovary to the wound surface to avoid undue traction upon the strue- tures which might result in rupture of the broad lga- ment and possible retention of some ovarian tissue or unnecessary hemorrhage. As soon as the ovary has been brought to the sur- face of the abdominal wound, it is seized by means of suitable forceps and twisted in such manner that the oviduet and suspending broad ligament are brought in CASTRATION OF THE DOG 1 immediate contact and quickly clamped with a heavy pair of dressing forceps. The operation is completed by limited torsion accomplished by twisting with the spaying forceps and an intrascapular ablation is in this manner effected, The remaining ovary is removed in the same manner and in cases where no marked con- gestion of the ovary and oviducts exists, as is obvious pe Fig. 19—THE OVARY, HAVING BEEN BROUGHT TO THE SUR- FACE, IS SHOWN CONTAINED WITHIN THE GRASP OF THE SPAYING FORCEPS; A PORTION OF THE BROAD LIGA- MENT AND THE OVIDUCT ARE SECURED BETWEEN THE JAWS OF COMPRESSION FORCEPS during estrum, this method of removal of the ovaries positively prevents serious hemorrhage. Where it is found upon exposing the ovaries that the structures are greatly enlarged and congested because of the remaining effect of estrum, it is well to ligate with gut suture material, the broad ligament including the ovarian artery proximal to the ovary. Also an- oy 112 ANIMAL CASTRATION other ligature is applied about the oviduet and intra- capsular ablation of the ovary is effected with scissors. In this way hemorrhage is controlled by ligation en masse of all structures on either side of the ovary. After the stumps of the amputated oviduets are re- turned to the peritoneal cavity, the abdominal wound is closed by means of two rows of sutures. The perito- neum and abdominal muscles are seized by means of = Ca Fig. 20—COMPLETING THE PROCESS OF LIMITED TORSION FOR AMPUTATION OF THE OVARY tissue forceps and with full curved needle armed with sterile gut No. 0, a continuous suture is made, inelud- ing both the peritoneum and the abdominal muscles. The skin and fascia are united by means of a continuous suture of sterile silk or chromie gut No. 2, leaving at one commissure a space of about one-eighth of an inch in length unsutured, for drainage. A drainage open- Ing is not imperative where a perfect technic is exe- CASTRATION OF THE DOG 113 cuted, aS union by first intention should result. The skin wound should then be sealed with flexible collo- dion, with the exception of the small opening (where an opening for drainage is provided for), for the escape of wound secretion should any infeetion occur. The wound is then covered with sterile absorbent cot- ton which may be held in position with a many-tailed bandage or by means of a fold of sterile gauze, this to —————] Fig. 21—SUTURE FOR COAFTATION OF THE PERITONEUM AND ABDOMINAL MUSCLES IS SHOWN IN POSITION HERE be made seeure with strips of adhesive tape encircling the body. After-Care.—The wound should be carefully in- spected atter 48 hours, and if there is any evidence of infection, gentle manipulation may be employed to foree secretions out of the small opening which has been left for this contingency, taking care not to interfere with existing primary union of tissue else- 114 ANIMAL CASTRATION where. Where no provision for drainage has been made and infection has oceurred early, surgical re- moval of pus should be done that no interference with primary union exists. The skin suture should be re- moved in four or five days. The animal should receive a light laxative diet following this operation and mod- erate exercise permitted. = Fig. 22—THE SKIN AND FASCIA HAVE BEEN JOINED WITH A CONTINUOUS SUTURE WHICH IS FIXED BY TYING TO- GETHER THE SINGLE END OF THE THREAD ON ONE SIDE WITH THE DOUBLE END ON THE OTHER Sequelz Shock.— While the operation is in progress, mani- festation of shock is sometimes noticeable, and very careful attention to the administration of the anesthetic is necessary, especially in the case of delicate animals as certain breeds of toy dogs, or those of the more highly sensitive organism. The preoperative adminis- tration of atropin is very beneficial in that the respira- CASTRATION OF THE DOG 115 tory center is stimulated and fatal shock is generally avoided. Where good surgical anesthesia is difficult to maintain, as it is in some eases, the application of heat by means of a hot water bag applied to the spinal column, is of obvious benefit. When respiration is suddenly arrested, the operation should be discontinued at onee and the abdominal wound hastily closed by clamping the margins of the skin together with a hemostat, and if the heart has not actually become quiet, artificial respiration should be quickly employed. Rhythmic traction of the tongue may be of service and inhalations of aqua ammonia are beneficial. Hemorrhage.—In occasional cases, post-operative hemerrhage occurs and persists until the patient is weakened to such a degree that death results in from 24 to 48 hours after the operation. This sometimes happens in subjects that have been operated upon be- fore the expiration of the estral period and where am- putation of the ovaries has been effected without due regard to ligation or careful execution of hemostatic means by torsion. Where capillary hemorrhage continues in sufficient degree to cause the cscane of a quantity of blood in the peritoneal cavity without its assuming immediately dangerous proportions, the administration of from 1-250 to 1-50 grain of atropin subeutaneously, will be found very helpful. Such hemorrhage is not likely to prove fatal. Infection.—The operator should cons‘antly bear in mind the urgeney of cleanliness in this work. While these canine subjects are quite resistant to infection, yet some cases of fatal septic peritonitis have been pro- dueed by general practitioners not having the essential 116 ANIMAL CASTRATION regard for the importance of asepsis, who by neglecting to attend to the thorough cleansing of the hands, bring to their work the unnecessary danger of contamination from previous dressing of suppurating wounds. Local infections are sometimes met with and are treated by providing drainage, removing surface sutures and swab- bing the depths of the wound with tincture of iodin, but where infection becomes generalized to the extent of septic peritonitis, there is little chance for recovery in spite of any resource of science. A carefully exe- euted technic with due regard to asepsis is the most important prophylactic measure to be considered by the veterinarian for this operation. Hernia.—Hernia may be omental or intestinal. In some cases, a portion of the omentum is included within the margin of the wound and a sufficient particle pro- trudes causing a slight blemish, and in some few instances causes tension producing pain, which the animal manifestly indicates at different times by its actions. This is evidenced by archine the back and a reluctance to any abrupt or decided movement of the body.