38 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



angle with the direction of the cord. This done, the 

 operator applies the broad portion of the iron over 

 the entire surface of the stump of the spermatic cord, 

 and cauterizes (or sears) the part thoroughly. It 

 must be remembered that to insure the safety of the 

 cauterization, the iron must be very hot. Otherwise, 

 when it is removed, if it has cooled off, it may ad- 

 here to the carbonized surface, and the scab formed 

 at the end of the blood vessel may accompany the 

 instrument. The application of pulverized rosin to 

 the end of the cord, previous to the cauterization, is 

 recommended by some practitioners. 



A very proper precaution, and one on no account 

 to be omitted, is the protection of the surrounding 

 parts from the radiating heat by covering them with 

 wet cloths. 



When the operation is completed, the forceps 

 should be opened with great care, in order to ascer- 

 tain whether all hemorrhage has ceased, and the 

 cord may be allowed to retract. If any oozing of 

 blood appears at the point of the operation, the cau- 

 terization must be repeated at the point indicated. 



A free application of cold water, in the form of a 

 douche, after the operation, will contribute to the 

 formation of a clot in the cauterized artery. 



