198 



CASTRATION BY CLAMS. 



lies parallel to the testicle on its inner side. The skin covering the 

 testicle is next rendered tense and a long incision made through it, 

 parallel to and about an inch from the scrotal raphe, by means 

 of a sharp convex knife. This incision divides the skin, tunica 

 dartos, and other coverings, and may extend into the substance 

 of the testicle itself without detriment. Some operators first incise 

 only the skin and tunica dartos, opening the sac of the tunica 

 vaginalis with a second incision. Nothing is gained by this method. 

 It is, however, of great importance to make the incision in all 

 three coats well forward and large enough, in order to provide for 



effective drainage at a 

 later stage. This is 

 particularly true in the 

 case of the sac of the 

 tunica vaginalis. The 

 testicle will often pro- 

 trude even if the scrotum 

 be insufficiently opened, 

 but such a method is to 

 be avoided. Pflug and 

 B r u c h e r recommend 

 first incising the tunica 

 vaginalis reflexa in front 

 and afterwards behind, 

 leaving a portion in the 

 middle undivided, and 

 afterwards uniting the 

 two incisions. This 

 ensures a long opening, 

 which, if necessary, may 

 be extended with scissors. The operator now discards the knife, 

 grasps and draws forward the exposed testicle with the right hand, 

 whilst with the left he thrusts back the scrotum and other envelopes, 

 so as to expose the cord sufficiently to permit of the application 

 of the clam. More extensive exposure than this should be avoided, 

 as it only favours infection. At this moment, as a rule, animals 

 endeavour to retract the testicle by means of the cremaster. One 

 therefore waits a few moments, exercising steady traction on the 

 testicle, and drawing it forward sufficiently for the clam to be applied 

 above the epididymis. The necessary movements should be made 

 slowly, and excessive tension or dragging on the cord should be 

 avoided. Should contraction of the cremaster muscle be long con- 



