Animal Castration 



49 



ideal time to operate is at time of castration. If the surgeon is 

 aware of the presence of hernia and is prepared for the opera- 

 tion, then the reduction of hernia by surgical interference is a 

 comparatively easy task. However, if the reverse is true — no 

 knowledge of its existence and non-preparedness — then he is up 

 against what is referred to as "the real thing," an attitude most 

 of us have been caught in to our chagrin and sorrow. So long 

 as hernia does not interfere with the health and usefulness of a 

 stallion in service it may not be advisable to operate. The ideal 

 age to operate is eight to twelve months. Oftentimes scrotal 

 hernias in "sucklings" disappear spontaneously before they are 

 a year old. 



Restraint — The animal should be cast and tied, and placed in 

 the dorsal position. For colts the ordinary "Farmer" Miles' 

 method of casting (Figs. 22, 23 and 24, pages 36-39) is ideal. 

 For older animals more secure restraint is necessary, such as 

 Knowles' Casting Harness, described and illustrated on pages 

 55-57. 



Instruments — (1) Emasculator, Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8. (2) Miles' 

 hook knife, Fig. 25. (3) Curved probe point Bistoury. (4) Me- 

 dium size curved needle. (5) Chromicized catgut (fourteen day) 

 largest size. (6) Needle holder (Richter's), Fig. 34. (7) Small 

 trocar and canula. (8) Curved scissors (six-inch). Fig. 35. (9) 

 Haemostatic forceps. 



Fig. 34. — Richter's Needle Holder. 



