40 THE SPAYING CP COWS. 



in our teeth, and we cut the wrinkle at one stroke through the middle ; the wrinkle .having been 

 suffered to go down, a separation of the hide is presented of sufficient length to enable us to intro 

 duce the hand ; thereupon we separate the ed ges of the hide with the thumb and forefinger of the 

 left hand, and in like manner, we cut through the abdominal muscles, the iliax (slightly obhquetyj 

 and the lumbar (across) for the distance of a centimetre from the lower extremity of the incision 

 made in the hide ; this done, armed with the straight bistoury, we make a puncture of the perito 

 neum at the upper extremity of the wound ; we then introduce the buttoned bistoury, and move it 

 obliquely from above to the lower part, up to the termination of the incision made in the abdominal 

 muscles. The flank being opened, we introduce the right hand into the abdomen and direct it along 

 the right side of the cavity of the pelvis, behind the cul de saurumen (paunch) and underneath the 

 rectum, where we find the comes de I uterus (matrix) ; after we have ascertained the position of 

 these viscera, we search for the ovnires (organs of reproduction), which are at the extremity of the 

 comes, and when we have found them, we seize them between the thumb and forefinger, detach 

 them completely from the ligaments that keep them in their place, pull lightly, separating the cord, 

 and the vessels (uterine or fallopian tube) at their place of union with the ovarium, by means of the 

 nail of the thumb and forefinger, which presents icself at the point of touch ; in fact we break the 

 cord and bring away the ovarium. We then introduce again the hand in the abdominal cavity, 

 and we proceed in the same manner to extract the other ovaria. This operation terminated, we, 

 by the assistance of the needle, place a suture of three or four double threads waxed at an equal 

 distance, and at two centimetres, or a little less from the lips of the wound, passing it through the 

 divided tissues, we move from the left hand with the piece of thread ; having reached that point, 

 we fasten with a double knot, we place the seam in the intervals of the thread from the right, and 

 as we approach the lips of the wound, we fasten by a simple knot, with a bow, being careful not 

 to close too tightly the lower part of the seam, so that the suppuration which may be established in 

 the wound, may be able to escape. This operation effected, we cover up the wound with a pledget 

 of lint kept in its place by three or four threads passed through the stitches, and all is completed, 

 and the cow is then led back to the stable. 



&quot;It happens, sometimes, that in cutting the muscles, of W- ich we have before spoken, we cut 

 one or two of the arteries which bleed so much, that there is necessity for a ligature before open 

 ing the peritoneal sac, because, if this precaution be omitted, blood will escape into the abdomen, 

 and may occasion the most serious consequences. 



CARE AFTER THE OPERATION. 



The regimen that we prescribe during the first eight days following the operation, is a light 

 diet, and a soothing lukewarm draught ; if the weather should be cold, we cover the cow with a 

 woollen covering. We must prevent the animal from licking the wound and from rubbing it 

 against other bodies. The third day after the operation, we bathe morning and evening about the 

 wound, with water of mallows lukewarm, and in default of this, we anoint it with a salve of hog s 

 lard, and we administer an emollient glyster during three or four days. 



&quot; Eight days after the operation we take away the bandage, the lint, the fastenings and the 

 threads ; the wound is at that time completely cicatrized, as we have observed that a reunion takes 

 place almost always by the first intention, as we have only observed suppuration in three cows, 

 and then it was very slight. In this case we must use a slight pressure above the part where the 

 suppuration is established, so as to cause the pus to leave it, and if it continues more than five or 

 six days, we must supply emollients by alcolized water, or chloridized, especially if it be in sum 

 mer. We then bring the cow gradually back to her ordinary nourishment. 



&quot; We have remarked in some cows a swelling of the body a short time after being spayed, a state 

 that we have attributed to the introduction of cold air into the abdomen during the operation ; but 

 this derangement has generally ceased within twenty-four hours. If the contrary should occur, we 

 administer one or two sudorific draughts ; such as wine, warm cider, or a half glass of brandy, 

 in a quart of warm water ; treatment which suffices in a short time to re-establish a healthy state 

 of the belly, the animal at the same time being protected by two coverings of wool. 



&quot; The operation which we have been describing, ought to be performed as we have said before, 

 thirty to forty days after calving, upon a cow which has had her third or fourth calf, so that we may 

 have a greater abundance of milk. The only precaution to be observed before t i.e operation, is, 

 that on the preceding evening we should not give so copious a meal as usual, and to operate in the 

 morning before the animal has fed, so that the operator shfell not find any obstacle from the primary 

 digestive organs, especially the paunch, which, during its state of ordinary fullness, might prefent 

 operating with facility. 



CONCLUSION. 



&quot;From what has preceded, it is fixed and irrefutable, 1. That spaying induces permanency 

 of milk, increase of quantity, and improvement of quality ; richer, moi e buttery, superior color, 

 finer taste and flavor. 2. The most suitable age is six years, and after the third or fourth calf. 

 3. The spayed cow fattens more easily, and furnishes beef of a better quality. 4. Cows that are 

 bad breeders nay be kep^ as good milkers, and the quality of good cattle kept up.&quot; 



