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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
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HHL AO See) IVLINGD AHL AO MAIA TVAENAD—O! “4
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GIYILO JDLYIILN
DULL
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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.