224 POULTRY DISEASES 



be in plain view. Always remove the lower one first as, if 

 the upper one be removed first, some hemorrhage may take 

 place that will make it very hard to tind the lower one later. 

 For beginners it is better to operate from both sides, each 

 time removing the upper one. 



The testicular tissue is very soft and it is necessary to use 

 great care to remove all of the tissue. If it is crushed it will 

 be very difficult to successfully remove it so that it is neces- 

 sary that the operation be done with skill. If care is not 

 used often the end of a testis will break off and this part 

 remaining makes a "slip." This small particle will furnish 

 some internal secretion and the bird can be regarded neither 

 as a cockerel nor as a capon. Slips are undesirable. The acci- 

 dents may be as follows : on account of the testes lying close 

 to the vertebrae in close proximity to the abdominal aorta and 

 other large vessels and the capsule of the testis being attached 

 to them, too much traction or improperly applying the tractors 

 may result in rupture of the vessel and fatal hemorrhage occur 

 at once. If the aorta is ruptured there wdll be noted a hissing 

 sound and the bird becomes pale in the face and comb and 

 immediately collapses. In this case cut off the head and the 

 bird can be used for food. If the bird is allowed to struggle 

 after the operation a large vessel already injured by the oper- 

 ation may rupture and fatal hemorrhage result. 



After the operation if the incision has been properly made 

 no suture is necessary, but if the opening in the abdominal 

 wall be large it is well to take one or two sutures with clean, 

 sterile cotton or silk thread. 



After the operation is completed remove the bird as care- 

 fully as possible and quietly place in a clean coop or run bed- 

 ded down with clean straw^ Do not allow- them in coops or 

 inclosures where they can jump upon boxes, perches or fly, 

 as they must be kept dowTi on the floor for a fe"\v days. 



Supply the birds with clean, fresh water and give them 

 ground feed mixed with milk as soon as they are placed in 

 their runs. They apparently do not suffer any inconvenience 

 from the operation and wdll eat heartly immediately after. 



On the third day examine each bird to make sure there are 

 no ''wind puffs" or emphysematous- conditions, that is, air 

 worked under the sldn from the edge of the wound or incision. 

 If wind puffs or emphysema is present puncture with clean, 

 sterile, sharp knife and allows the air to escape. Birds have 

 a great resistance against the common germs of Avound infec- 

 tion, as staphylococci and streptococci and fatalities from this 

 cause are very rare, if at all. 



The wound should be entirely healed in three weeks' time. 



