108 VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE COW. 



may be distinguished as a firm oval mass 2 to 40111. in length 

 and i to 2 cm. in its lesser diameter attached to the broad 

 ligament. If not promptly recognized by the sense of touch, 

 trace the vagina and uterus with the fingers forwards from 

 the vaginal incision to the cornua and follow them as they 

 bend upward and then backward to the Fallopian tubes, and 

 trace each of them until the ovary is reached, where it is at- 

 tached to the broad ligament, just beyond the fimbriated end. 

 Grasp the ovary between the index and middle fingers and 

 draw it through the incision into the vagina. Introduce the 

 scissors with the other hand, and when the ovary is reached 

 open them barely sufficient to admit the broad ligament 

 between the blades and cut away the ovary along with a 

 considerable amount of the broad ligament. It is essential 

 that plenty of the broad ligament and Fallopian tube be 

 removed with the ovary in order to insure the entire removal 

 of the latter, because the accidental leaving of the smallest 

 particle of ovarian tissue will cause a development of these 

 into abnormally large Graafian follicles, and will tend to in- 

 crease rather than decrease nymphomania. Should the ani- 

 mal be pregnant the ovary on the gravid side is dragged 

 downward and forward out of reach of the operator's fingers, 

 and if it is desired to complete the operation it may be neces- 

 sary to enlarge the vaginal wound and introduce the entire 

 hand, when the ovary can be reached and removed. No 

 after care is generally necessary. 



The Dangers are similar to those of the mare. The iliacs 

 may be wounded in the same manner as in the mare and is 

 preventable by being careful to push the vaginal roof wel 

 downwards away from the rectum and pelvic roof. 



A new danger appears in the presence of the rumen, the 

 supero-posterior portion of which projects into the pelvic 

 cavity when filled with food and if the cut is directed for- 

 wards a stab wound readily penetrates its walls with fatal re- 

 sults. Make the cut upwards and backwards. 



