266 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



It has been suggested that in young animals a double ligature might 

 be applied close behind the point of bifurcation of the uterus, and the 

 organ divided between the two ligatures without the operator troubling 

 to discover the ovaries. Whether this would destroy the sexual 

 appetite or only the reproductive powers seems doubtful. 



Several German veterinary surgeons recommend operating in the 

 linea alba, breaking through the broad uterine ligament, and cutting 

 off the ovaries after ligation with catgut. The abdominal muscles are 

 united with catgut, the skin with silk, and a surgical dressing is 

 applied by means of a bandage enveloping the whole body. 



6. Castration of birds consists in dividing the oviduct. The birds 

 are held by an assistant as in caponing, and an incision about $ to i^- 

 inches in length, and about the same distance from the anus, is made 

 through the abdominal wall. The disinfected forefinger is introduced, 

 the rectum thrust to one side, and the oviduct, which lies below the 

 rectum, and can be recognised by its white colour, is grasped with 

 forceps. The duct is then drawn forward, and cut across with scissors 

 about three quarters of an inch in front of its junction with the rectum. 

 Some operators excise a portion. After returning the ends the wound 

 is sutured as w-as described in connection with caponing. 



By slowly exercising pressure on the lower portion of the bird's body 

 the oviduct can be forced outwards through an incision made above 

 the anus. It is then cut through, and the incision sutured. 



During the ensuing three or four days the birds are kept apart in a 

 cool quiet place, and receive light food. 



Extirpation of the ovaries is dangerous in hens, and as castration 

 by division of the oviduct is sufficient, ovariotomy is not practised. 



