CASTRATION (RESULTS OF). 501 



ation ; if it occurs about the third day and the discharge is 

 a healthy one, it may be regarded as a good sign. When 

 the discharge is unhealthy in appearance — is fetid in odour, 

 etc., or no discharge takes place, and the pulse quickens, 

 febrile symptoms appear, etc., the case is doing badly, and 

 the parts should be fomented, a laxative administered, and 

 everything possible done to cause healthy suppuration. 



Adhesions. — Whilst operating, the surgeon may meet with 

 strong adhesions between the tunica albuginea and the tunica 

 vaginalis; these adhesions may be broken down with the 

 fingers, or handle of the scalpel, or may be dissected away. 



Pain. — Pain may be regarded as a normal result of cas- 

 tration, and may occur in connection with the cord, or may 

 be due to a slight attack of colic, etc., in which case relief 

 may quickly and certainly be afforded by the administration 

 of a dose of opium, subcutaneous injections of morphia, etc. 



Secondary Haemorrhage — Secondary haemorrhage must 

 be regarded as a normal result ; the bleeding may be 

 resumed immediately the animal rises to his feet. If it is 

 a haemorrhage of an alarming character the animal should 

 at once be recast, the artery searched for and seized with 

 the bull-dog forceps, and a ligature applied. Sometimes it 

 is found to be very difficult or almost impossible to get hold 

 of the cord or bleeding vessel, and in such a case the scrotum 

 should be plugged with tow or cotton, the plug saturated 

 with a styptic, and retained in place by means of sutures 

 through the scrotum ; in some cases there may be internal 

 haemorrhage, but the danger of such an occurrence is not 

 very great. The plug should be removed in twenty-four 

 hours or so, and the clotted blood allowed to escape. In cases 

 of slight haemorrhage the application of cold water and other 

 refrigerants without casting the animal, will usually be suffi- 

 cient. If cold does not stop the haemorrhage a styptic should 

 be employed, as before recommended. In cases where the 



