COMPLICATIONS DURING CASTRATION. 233 



during operation, in consequence of the animal's struggles. Prolapse 

 is favoured by dragging on the spermatic cord, which dilates the inner 

 abdominal ring. It occurs oftenest in old stallions, either during 

 castration or after the animal has risen. Occasionally it appears later, 

 sometimes when the clams are removed. 



Immediatel}' the bowel appears, however small may be the poition, 

 the animal should be placed on its back and the hind quarters raised 

 as high as possible. The greatest care should be taken to prevent the 

 bowel being soiled or injured. Whilst the animal is being moved, the 

 operator should tirml}- grasp the scrotum to prevent the prolapse 

 further developing, which, under some circumstances, it very rapidly 

 does. As soon as straining ceases, the bowel must be returned through 

 the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity. Should this prove 

 difficult, the operator may pass one arm into the rectum and assist 

 reposition by pulling en the affected portion of bowel. Under some 

 circumistances, anaesthesia and enlargement of the inner abdominal ring 

 may become necessary.^ To prevent a recurrence of the prolapse, 

 clams are applied to the tunica vaginalis; as in herniotomy for inguinal 

 hernia, the tunica vaginalis may be twisted around its long axis. 

 After-treatment is similar to that in the operation mentioned. 



4. Entrance of Air into the abdominal cavity is, of course, only 

 possible when the tunica vaginalis is opened, and is recognised by a 

 sudden gurgling or bubbling noise. It is favoured by abnormal 

 patency of the inner abdominal ring, is of rare occurrence, seldom of 

 much importance, and only dangerous when blood passes into the 

 abdominal cavity along with the air. In such case peritonitis may 

 result from the introduction of infective material. Immediately the 

 noise is heard, the operation wound should be covered with the hand. 

 Air which has entered cannot be removed artificially from the abdominal 

 cavity, but is soon absorbed, and is usually uninjurious. 



Unfavourable Consequences of Castration of Male Animals. 



No special treatment is necessary after castration. Horses are 

 placed in a quiet stall provided with clean bedding. They should 

 be tied up, and, for a time, kept under observation, in order to see 

 whether straining occurs, in which case the animal must be checked by 

 calling to it or by striking it lightly with a whip, as prolonged straining 

 might easily cause prolapse of the bowel. For the next few days — or, 

 after castration with clams, from the day when the clams are removed — 



* For a description of the latter operation, see the writer's translation of Moller's 

 ' Veterinary Surgery,' p. 257. 



