228 



OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



given them until the exudation and swelHng which follow the above 

 manipulation can fix the spermatic cords in place, and thus prevent the 

 cords untwisting. The loop is removed in twenty-four to forty-eight 

 hours. 



When the union between the dartos and the common vaginal sheath 

 is very firm, operation proves much more difficult, or ma}' be impossible. 

 In such case it may again be attempted on the succeeding day, the 

 exudation between the layers of the scrotum produced by the first 

 manipulation often rendering subsequent handling much easier. 



The animals show great pain after operation, become very restless, 

 and often throw themselves down. Some show peculiar spasmodic 

 contraction of the masseter muscles and of the muscles of the neck. 



/ 



Fig. 248. 



Fig. 249. 



The legs become rigid, and the animals exhibit s}'mptoms recalling 

 those of str3'chnine poisoning. These appearances, however, only last 

 from two to four hours, after which the animals appear to have perfectl}^ 

 recovered. The scrotum then begins to swell and continues to increase 

 in size. In the upper part of the swelling the testicles can be felt; the 

 lower part consists only of the infiltrated and swollen scrotum. The 

 swelling having attained its height remains stationary for some days, 

 and then gradually disappears ; the testicles slowly undergo atrophy 

 for a period of several months. 



Occasionally the testicles rotate after removal of the loop of cord, 

 and the operation proves futile. Failure is shown by the spermatic 

 cord again becoming soft ; when the operation has been successful the 



