516 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



moved — preferably by means of the ecraseur. In some 

 cases the ovaries may be removed with a knife, and the 

 blood-vessels closed by means of a catgut ligature, which 

 will in a few days become removed by absorption, and 

 cause no irritation whatever. In case a silk ligature is used, 

 it is advisable to allow one end to hang out of the external 

 wound, so that it can be removed at the proper time, as it 

 is not capable of removal by absorption, and would be 

 likely to set up irritation of the parts, perhaps resulting in 

 death of the animal. Some surgeons make an incision on 

 each side when removing both ovaries. Such a procedure 

 is entirely unnecessary, an opening on one side being 

 sufficient to remove them. All unnecessary pulling, etc., 

 should be avoided, the operation being performed as 

 gently as possible. The hands and instruments should be 

 scrupulously clean, or carbolic acid lotion may be used 

 upon them. After the operation, during which chloroform 

 should be used, the lips of the external wound may be 

 secured in place by means of sutures. Keep the patient quiet 

 a few days, give laxative food, etc. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



Pregnancy, Parturition, and their Results. 



THE FCETAL ENVELOPES. 



The chorion is the most external of the foetal en- 

 velopes, and is intimately connected with the uterus, 

 having its form, etc. The amnion is the most internal 

 of the foetal coverings, immediately surrounding the foetus, 

 and is the membrane which secretes the liquor amnii. 

 Between the chorion and the amnion is found the alantois, 

 which is somewhat similar to a serous membrane, in having 

 two coats. During early foetal life there exists a small 

 pear-shaped pouch or bladder, known as the umbilical 



