Animal Castration 153 



CHAPTER I. 



MARE SPAYING. 



Objects and Indications — The principle indication for remov- 

 ing the ovaries from mare is to correct the disagreeable and dan- 

 gerous vice known as npnphomania, the symptoms of which are 

 as follows: Usually when such animals are touched, especially 

 while applying harness and saddles, they squat, switch their tails, 

 kick, bite, urinate, etc., while at the same time the clitoris moves 

 actively. This behavior of the clitoris is similar to its action dur- 

 ing oestrum (heat) . Some nymphomaniac mares are affected with 

 such behavior continuously, while in others it is periodical. The 

 intensity of the vice also varies in degree in different individuals. 

 Some are affected to the extent of actual viciousness. Such ani- 

 mals are a public and private nuisance, undesirable to own and 

 dangerous to the attendant. Usually removal of the ovaries from 

 this class of mares will correct the trouble. The results of the 

 operation are not immediate. In fact, even apparent improvement 

 may not be had until several weeks — possibly several months — 

 have elapsed. The improvement is gradual and oftentimes slow, 

 even after it actually begins. Spaying is always justified in mares 

 of this class. 



Age — Spay regardless of age when operation is indicated. 



Season — Spring, winter and fall. 



Preparation — It is necessary for the intestinal tract — rectum 

 in particular — to be empty. This is usually accomplished by with- 

 holding feed for 30 hours pre^dous to operating. To make sure 

 that the rectum is empty it is well to administer an enema imme- 

 diately previous to operating. Douche out the vagina and wash 

 anis, A^ulva, tail and surrounding parts with Lysol or Cresol com- 

 pound U. S. P., in the strength of one tablespoonful to each quart 

 of water. Bandage upper one-third of tail. Chloral or cannabis 

 Indica administered 30 or 40 minutes before operating is helpful 

 in most instances. 



Position — Standing. 



