318 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



time should be avoided or the flies kept at a distance by the applica- 

 tion of a watery solution of tar, carbolic acid, or camphor to the 

 wound. 



CASTRATION OP CRYPTORCHIDS (RIDGLINGS). 



This is the removal of a testicle or testicles that have failed to 

 descend into the scrotum, but have been detained in the inguinal 

 canal or inside the abdomen. The manipulation requires an accurate 

 anatomical knowledge of the parts, and special skill experience, and 

 manual dexterity, and can not be made clear to the unprofession- 

 al mind in a short notice. It consists, however, in the discovery and 

 removal of the missing gland by exploring through the natural chan- 

 nel, or, in case it is absent, through the inguinal ring or through an 

 artificial opening made in front and above that channel between the 

 abdominal muscles and the strong fascia on the inner side of the 

 thigh. Whatever method is used, the skin, hands, and instruments 

 should be rendered aseptic with a solution of mercuric chloride 1 

 part, water 2,000 parts (a carbolic acid lotion for the instruments) , 

 and the spermatic cord is best torn through by the ecraseur. In 

 many such cases, too, it is desirable to sew up the external wound and 

 keep the animal still, to favor healing of the wound by adhesion. 



PAIN AFTER CASTRATION. 



Some horses are pained and very restless for some hours after 

 castration, and this may extend to cramps of the bowels and violent 

 colic. This is best kept in check by carefully rubbing the patient 

 dry when he rises from the operation, and then leading him in hand 

 for some time. If the pain still persists a dose of laudanum (1 ounce 

 for an adult) may be given. 



BLEEDING AFTER CASTRATION. 



Bleeding from the wound in the scrotum and from the little 

 artery in the posterior portion of the spermatic cord always occurs, 

 and in warm weather may appear to be quite free. It scarcely ever 

 lasts, however, over fifteen minutes, and is easily checked by dashing 

 cold water against the part. 



Bleeding from the spermatic artery in the anterior part of the 

 cord may be dangerous when due precaution has not been taken to 

 prevent it. In such case the stump of the cord should be sought for 

 and the artery twisted with artery forceps or tied with a silk thread. 

 If the stump can not be found, pledgets of tow wet with tincture of 

 muriate of iron may be stuffed into the canal to favor the formation 

 of clot and the closure of the artery. 



STRANGULATED SPERMATIC CORD. 



If in castration the cord is left too long, so as to hang out of the 

 wound, the skin wound in contracting grasps and strangles it, pre- 

 venting the free return of blood and causing a steadily advancing 

 swelling. In addition the cord becomes adherent to the lips of the 

 wound in the skin, whence it drives an increased supply of blood, 

 and is thereby stimulated to more rapid swelling. The subject walks 

 stiffly, with straddling gait, loses appetite, and has a rapid pulse and 

 high fever. Examination of the wound discloses the partial closure 

 of the skin wound and the protrusion from its lips of the end of the 



