io6 VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE MARE. 



If it occurs the operation may be completed from beneath 

 without very great difficulty only that the ovary now lies 

 above the hand and must be drawn down from on top the 

 broad ligament in order to fix the ecraseur upon it. 



Infection constitutes always the most serious danger and 

 is to be avoided by proper securing of the animal, by the 

 avoidance of irritant antiseptics in the vagina, by rigid anti- 

 sepsis at every stage, and by carrying out the mechanical 

 parts of the operation deliberately, vigorously and neatly. 

 If infection should occur it will generally take the form of 

 pelvic cellulitis with abscesses and rectal stricture. Enemas 

 of a normal salt or soda solution affords the surest relief of 

 the stricture and impaction in front of it. The abscesses 

 must be watched and opened early into the vagina or rec- 

 tum, and the case treated internally and locally according to 

 general surgical principles. 



