186 CAUSES, SYMTTOMS AND TREATMENT OF 



place the clam upon the vascular portion, having drawn the cord out 

 as you thought best (some are longer than others, so there can be no 

 rule laid down) ; having secured it, take the tortion forceps, apply 

 them carefully to the vascular part, about half or a fourth of an inch 

 from the clam ; secure them and watch that they do not slip ; then 

 twist it around, testicle and all, and it will take from fifteen to 

 twenty-five turns to remove it; twist it carefully and the last thing 

 that remains is the artery ; after removing it take a look at the 

 artery, and then remove the clam carefully, to see whether the 

 tortion has had the desired effect. About the only objection to this 

 is, it takes a little more time. Williams recommends placing another 

 clam upon the scrotum, to enable you to get hold of the testicle ; but 

 I see no need of it. 



Ecraseiir is another operation, which I think will be the one used 

 in a few years, but I cannot speak of it to anv great extent from my 

 own experience. I operated upon three this way. I threw the 

 horse and placed the clam upon the cord before cutting it off, to see 

 the effect of it. There are also other methods, as scraping, bruising, 

 cutting out a portion of the epididymus, etc. But the simplest 

 method is the best, and if you have used any of the methods success- 

 fully, then continue the same. Although it is a simple operation, it 

 requires some practice, and the great danger in some cases, is pulling 

 the cord too much, or applying too much caustic, which irritates the 

 cord and sets up peritonitis ; and the great secret is in having the 

 animal in proper condition. Never operate upon any animal that is 

 not in good condition, or that shows any symptoms of influenza, 

 strangles, etc. 



RESULTS OF CASTRATION. 



Results of Castration, — They may be either normal or abnormal. 

 After the operation there is more or less swelling, and although it 

 may attain a great size, so long as the appetite is not impaired, or the 

 pulse affected, there is no danger ; but if the swelling takes on an 

 odematous character, the best relief is to scarify in two or three 

 places, then bathe with tepid water ; give a little exercise, and if he is 

 costive, perhaps, give a little laxative ; but if the colt is turned on 

 pasture this is not generally necessary. 



Adhesion of the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea. It is 

 necessary to break down the adhesion, which can generally be done 

 with the finger or the end of the scalpel. When adhesion is present, 

 a greater amount of irritation follows than where there is no adhesion. 

 There may also be a slight pain after the operation, which may be 

 from the cord, colic, or slight irritation of the bowels from the 

 operation. If the animal cringes, lies down and rolls, it is best to 

 give an opiate — opium, one-half to one drachm ; or give hypodermic 

 injections. 



Suppuration is another condition, and it is impossible to operate 

 without suppuration, more or less, and when suppuration takes place, 

 and healthy pus is discharged, the animal is considered safe ; and 

 when pus is not properly formed there is more danger. Pus may 

 form and not be healthy pus, and if there is unhealthy pus or serum, 

 and the pulse quickened, then there is irritation, and peritonitis may 

 result. 



