236 OPERATIVE TECHNigUE. 



but small and weak, and the appetite is usually completely in abeyance, 

 even water being sometimes refused. Not infrequently, the castration 

 wound shows no swelling whatever, a symptom which, when asso- 

 ciated with high fever, is always serious. On the other hand, severe 

 and widespread swelling, sometimes extending as far as the breast, 

 may occur. Such symptoms call for energetic treatment. The most 

 important point is to thoroughly and repeatedly cleanse the wound 

 with a lukewarm disinfectant ; other symptoms must be treated as 

 they arise. Careful regard to cleanliness during operation is the best 

 safeguard against such complications, and it is worth remembering 

 that the directions given to the owner regarding the cleansing of the 

 operation wound are often entirely disregarded. A perfectly new 

 sponge or piece of linen which has been thoroughly boiled in clean 

 water should be used ; with this sponge and the cooled water the 

 cleansing is performed ; the operation is easy and entails little 

 expense. 



5. Peritonitis. Inflammation of the peritoneum may follow 

 castration either in consequence of the wound being septically 

 infected, or of discharge being retamed. In either case infectious 

 material is carried upwards by the stump of the spermatic cord from 

 the neighbourhood of the scrotum towards and eventually into the 

 peritoneal cavity. High fever, restlessness, abdominal pain, and 

 loss of appetite are the most important symptoms. Treatment 

 consists in thoroughly cleansing the wound and providing for escape 

 of discharge. Should peritonitis accompany septic infection, the 

 prognosis becomes extremely grave. 



6. Prolapse of the spermatic cord consists in protrusion of the 

 spermatic cord beyond the wound in the scrotum. It may be caused by 

 dragging on the cord, by applying the clams too low, or by using too 

 heavy clams. Prolapse is not infrequent in weakly animals, especially 

 if the adhesions between the spermatic cord and outer skin be not 

 broken down when the clams are removed. Should the spermatic 

 cord not be soon returned into the scrotal wound or tunica vaginalis 

 a spermatic fistula results and is often succeeded by scirrhous cord, a 

 condition which will more fully be described in a later volume. 



When prolapse accompanies castration with clams, the clams 

 should be removed, and attempts made to release the prolapsed cord 

 and thrust it back again into the processus vaginalis or scrotum. A 

 strong stream of cold water directed on the parts often results in the 

 cord being retracted. Failing retraction, another pair of clams must 

 be applied at a higher point, or the cord be ligatured above the 

 prolapsed part. 



