214 DR. LEGEAB'S STOCK BOOK. 



CHAPTER XV. 

 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS. 



The proper ago usually for castrating colts is about one year 

 old, but it may be perfomed at a few months old, or several years 

 old. Taking everything into consideration, we believe at one 

 year old is the best time for castration, provided the colt is in 

 good health and his testicles are down. About the best time 

 for castration is during March and April and October and No- 

 vember. It is not advisable to castrate during the summer, as 

 the flies are too bad and the weather too hot. Any time during 

 the winter does very well, if a norther doesn't blow up in a day or 

 two after the operation; but if a warm stable is to be had, there is 

 no danger from the cold. As far as the "signs" of the moon are 

 concerned, that is all bosh. It is an old grandmother idea, and 

 very hard to get out of some men's heads. Have your colts in 

 good condition and the weather right, and that is all the "signs" 

 you need; and then if the operation is properly performed your 

 colts will do all right. Castrating old stallions is more danger- 

 ous than young colts, but if they are in good health, with clean 

 surroundings, and the operation properly performed, there is 

 no danger whatever to be feared. 



There are several methods by which the operation can be per- 

 formed, such as the clamps, searing, ligaturing, torsion, ecrasmv 

 (Fig. 41), and emasculator (Fig. 42). The last two ways are 

 the only proper methods to be used. The first four methods 

 named are old-styled and away out of date, and are not used at 

 all at the present time by the veterinary profession. To operate 

 by either of the two last methods the animal is either thrown 

 or operated on standing; we prefer to throw (Fig. 43) the animal. 

 When the animal is tied, make an examination of the parts, and 



