CASTRATION OF SOWS. 263 



cutting edge, and is unprovided with a spring, so that it can easily be 

 opened or shut with one hand. After cHpping away the bristles the 

 primary incision is made in the left flank, about ij to if inches in 

 front of the outer angle of the ilium, in the direction of the outer 

 abdominal muscle, that is, from above forwards and downwards. 

 Other operators make it at right angles to the vertebral column. The 

 opening must be sufficiently large to permit of the right index finger 

 being introduced, and the abdominal muscles and peritoneum being 

 pierced. During an inspiration, or at the moment when the pig 

 squeals, the finger is suddenly thrust through the abdominal tunics, 

 thus preventing the peritoneum dissecting away from the abdominal 

 wall, which would not only render the operation difficult, but might 

 also lead to troublesome sequelae. With the index finger in the 

 abdominal cavity, the operator first secures the left ovary, which is the 

 size of a bean, of firm consistence, and lies nearl}^ equidistant from the 

 external angle of the ilium and the middle line of the sacrum. When 

 the ovary or the uterus is grasped the animal usually squeals, a fact of 

 considerable importance in guiding the operator. The left ovary is 

 drawn outwards and held by the right hand, whilst the index finger 

 and thumb of the left hand gradually bring the left horn of the uterus 

 into the wound, and finally into the right hand. As soon as the 

 point of union of the two uterine horns becomes visible, the operator 

 draws forward the right horn, together with the right ovary, in a 

 similar fashion. Both ovaries are now nipped or torn off with the 

 finger nail, or cut off with a knife. In young animals the entire 

 uterus is often removed without bad effect. In older sows only the 

 ovaries are removed, and care must be taken not to draw forward the 

 body of the uterus. The uterine horns are then returned to the 

 peritoneal cavity, the skin wound is sutured, and the animal placed 

 alone in a clean, cool stall. During the ensuing twelve hours it 

 should only receive clean water or small quantities of readily digestible 

 food. On the following days gentle exercise may be given. 



Many modifications of these methods have been suggested. Thus 

 the operation may be performed with antiseptic precautions, which, 

 however, experience shows to be unnecessary. In older sows, the 

 abdominal muscles are also cut through, leaving only the peritoneum 

 to be divided with the finger. Should the operator attempt to divide 

 the muscles by means of the finger in such animals, a pocket is 

 formed into which a coil of intestine may pass, become adherent, and 

 cause death, either from peritonitis or from incarceration. In such 

 cases the operator is often erroneously blamed, it being thought that 

 he has sutured the bowel to the abdominal wound. 



