CASTRATTON OF STALLIONS BY CLAMS. 



19!) 



am^^,. 



tinued, the animal may be struck smartly with the open hand, but 

 as a rule the testicle can be drawn forward without difficulty as soon 

 as the first struggles have subsided. 



The operator then grasps a clam with the left hand and 

 passes it from in front backwards over the spermatic cord (which 

 should be flattened out as much as possible), giving the clam such 

 a direction that it will hang horizontally when the animal is standing, 

 and will at least be above the epididymis. When the cord is 

 exceptionally long the clam should be applied proportionally higher ; 

 it may, in fact, be placed as high as possible, without exercising 

 undue tension on the cord. 



The posterior (open) ends of the clam having been compressed 

 with the fingers of the 

 left hand so that the 

 clam firmly grasps the 

 spermatic cord, the tes- 

 ticle may be released 

 while the forceps 

 or screw is applied. 

 During closure of the 

 clam by either of these 

 instruments the animal 

 usually struggles un- 

 less previously anaes- 

 thetised. To prevent 

 injury or tearing of 

 the spermatic cord the 

 twitch may be shaken 

 whilst the forceps or 

 screw is being closed, 



and the clam should be pressed against the animal's groin. The- 

 operator should have made sure while applying the clam that no 

 part of the scrotum was included in it, but in any case at this stage 

 of the operation he should again examine the parts before finally 

 securing the clam. Care is also required to prevent the spermatic 

 cord slipping beyond the crushing surface of the clam. Provided 

 all is found satisfactory, the clam is secured by a surgical 

 knot, drawn very tightly. The spermatic cord is then 

 divided with a knife or scissors, one half to one inch below the 

 clam. 



The right testicle is then removed in a similar way, care being 

 taken not to displace the clam already applied or to throw 



Fig. 242. 



