104 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



fingers into the wound to prevent its premature 

 closing. 



The method by the ecraseur, though occupying a, 

 longer time in its completion than some others, has 

 secured very favorable results, especially in the 

 hands of American operators. 



The operation by cauterization is highly recom- 

 mended by English veterinarians. We believe, con- 

 trary to the statements of French authors, that it is 

 not widely in use on this Continent. The objections 

 urged against it are that the hemostatic effect upon, 

 the cord is less reliable than in the method by the 

 clamps or the ligature ; that there is more or less 

 danger of cauterizing the surrounding parts by the 

 effect of the radiant heat from the cautery ; and that 

 the swelling which follows the operation is always 

 excessively great. 



Castration by the damps is the best known and 

 most extensively practised. It is easy and quick in 

 its performance ; performs the most certain hemos- 

 tasis upon the artery, and notwithstanding some 

 slight objections, merits a preference over all others. 

 The principal objection alleged against it is that it 

 is attended with great pain to the suffering patient 

 when the pressure of the instrument upon the soft 

 tissues is first felt. This is a doubtful question, and 

 if this excessive amount of pain really exists, it cer- 

 tainly cannot be of long continuance, merely on ac- 

 count of the effect produced by the clamps themselves. 



Of the various methods by ligature, that of the li- 

 gation of the cord with its envelopes is applicable to 



