496 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



different ways of casting, except by a practical demonstra- 

 tion. Suffice it to say that the easiest and gentlest method 

 by which the animal can be placed upon the ground is the 

 best. He should never be cast upon a hard surface, unless 

 such be first covered with some soft material, as a deep bed 

 of straw or hay, etc. After casting the animal he may be 

 placed upon his side, or upon his back, as preferred by the 

 operator. The sheath and penis should be carefully 

 cleansed by washing with tepid water, and lubricated 

 afterwards. An examination should now be made to as- 

 certain whether hernia be present, in which case it will be 

 necessary to castrate the animal b}^ what is known as the 

 covered operation. If the hernia be small, the operator 

 should expose the tunica vaginalis and place the clamps 

 upon it. If the hernia be one of large size the clamps 

 should be placed over scrotum and all, and the parts 

 allowed to slough off. In the absence of any abnormal 

 conditions the operation may be proceeded with in any of 

 the following ways, as preferred by the operator : 



The first step consists in taking a firm grasp of one of 

 the testicles, preferably the smallest. It should be grasped 

 in such a way as to cause a firm stretching of the scrotum 

 over the gland. A castrating-knife, several varieties of 

 which are to be had, should now be used, wdth which a 

 bold incision should be made. The incision should be 

 made close to the raphe, and carried j^retty well forward, 

 in which case proper drainage of serum, idus, etc., from the 

 wound, will be insured. On making the incision the 

 testicle immediately escapes from its coverings, and the 

 rest of the operation may be conducted according to any 

 of the following methods : — 



Caustic Clamps. — This is a very old as well as a success- 

 ful method, and consists of placing two wooden clamps (or 

 metallic clamps, the former, however, being preferable) 



