^j6 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



adherent to it. Formerly it was usual to incise this with scissors 

 at two or three points, but the practice is irrational. 



The right testicle is then removed in a similar way, care being 

 taken not to displace the clam already applied or to throw any 

 strain on the left spermatic cord. The wound and inner surface 

 of the left thigh are then carefully cleansed, the clams gently arranged 

 one above the other, with their posterior ends crossing, the sheath 

 is drawn somewhat forward, the exposed stumps of the spermatic 

 cords are powdered with iodoform, and the horse is allowed to rise. 



Formerly it was usual to divide the posterior non-vascular portion 

 of the cord before applying the clam. The method is not commend- 

 able, because the clam 

 is then only suspended 

 by the anterior portion 

 of the cord, which 

 readily yields, allowing 

 the clam to descend. 

 In the method de- 

 t- scribed the clam, on 

 the contrary, is sus- 

 pended by the cre- 

 niaster and the vas- 

 cular portion of the 

 cord. 



The horse is placed 

 in a quiet well-venti- 

 lated stall, is tied up 

 short in order to pre- 

 vent its lying down, 

 Fig. 24s. . ° 



and receives light, 



easily digested food. Its tail, which should previously have been 

 plaited, is now fastened to one side by attachment to the surcingle or to 

 the shank of a web halter passed round the neck. Most animals will 

 at once take hay, which should be given, as feeding distracts attention 

 from the seat of operation, and prevents restlessness. Should the animal 

 strain greatly, it should be watched, and, if restless, should be checked 

 by the attendant calling to it or lightly touching it with the whip. 



When the spermatic cords prove exceptionally long, the clams rnay 

 be applied higher. As a general principle, they should be placed as 

 high as possible, without exercising any violent strain on the cord. 

 Under no circumstances should the clams after castration hang so low 

 as to leave a portion of the spermatic cord visible above them, as in- 



