498 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



fill one, being frequently followed by bad results; but 

 why such should be the case is not very apparent. The 

 method, as pursued by some, of ligating the whole cord, 

 is, of course, highly objectionable, and likely to be followed 

 by bad results. The operation, as properly j^erformed, 

 consists of applying the ligature to the artery only. The 

 non-vascular structures should be divided with a sharp 

 scalpel. Having reached the spermatic artery, it should 

 be drawn out to a slight extent, and the ligature applied 

 in a secure manner. The artery, being convoluted, should 

 be drawn out to straighten the free end, so that ligation 

 may be properly performed. Division of the artery may now 

 be effected below the ligature, and the animal allowed to rise. 

 The ligature should be of strong silk, and may be improved 

 by waxing. One end of the thread should be left hanging 

 out of the wound in the scrotum, and it will come away 

 usually in about eight or ten days after the operation. 

 Bleeding from the artery of the cord sometimes occurs, but 

 need occasion no alarm. 



Torsion. — Castration by torsion is a very successful as 

 well as humane method of performing the operation. 

 Having exposed the testicle, some operators place clamps 

 or forceps made for the purpose upon the cord. It is pre- 

 ferable, however, to first divide the non-vascular portion of 

 the cord, and place the clamp or forceps upon the vascular 

 portion. These forceps should be held, or steadied, by an 

 assistant while the surgeon applies another pair of forceps 

 to the vascular portion of the cord, and begins to turn his 

 forceps steadily and slowly until the tissues give way. The 

 arteries will be the last to give way. When thorough 

 division of the cord is effected, the clamps or forceps should 

 be removed, and the cord allowed to escape. From fifteen 

 to twenty-five turns of the forceps will be required to 

 accomplish thorough division of the tissues. Haemorrhage 



