210 COMPLICATIONS AFTER CASTRATION. 



prove difficult, the operator may pass one hand into the rectum and 

 assist reposition by pulling on the displaced portion of bowel. To 

 prevent recurrence of the prolapse, a clam is applied over the tunica 

 vaginalis reflexa ; as in operation for inguinal hernia, the tunica 

 vaginalis may be twisted around its long axis. The after-treatment 

 is similar to that in the operation mentioned. 



Entrance of Air into the abdominal cavity is, of course, only 

 possible when the tunica vaginalis is opened, and is recognised by a 

 sudden gurgling or bubbling noise. It is favoured by abnormal 

 patency of the inner abdominal ring, is of rare occurrence, seldom 

 of much importance, and only dangerous when blood passes into the 

 abdominal cavity along with the air. In such case peritonitis may 

 result from the introduction of infective material. Immediately the 

 noise is heard, the operation wound should be covered with the hand. 



UNFAVOURABLE CONSEQUENCES OF CASTRATION. 



No special treatment is necessary after castration. Horses are 

 placed in a clean stall or loose box provided with fresh litter. They 

 may be tied up, and, for a time, kept under observation, in order 

 to see whether straining occurs, in which case the animal must be 

 checked by calling to it, as prolonged straining might easily cause 

 prolapse of the bowel. For the next few days — or, after castration 

 with clams, from the day when the clams are removed — the animal 

 is walked for a half to one hour daily ; in the country it may be 

 turned out, or put to light work. Exercise favours the escape of 

 discharge, and also tends to prevent the spermatic cord adhering 

 to the skin wound, or the wound itself closing, which is sometimes 

 followed by severe local inflammation and abscess formation. 



During the first few days after operation it is therefore advisable 

 to cleanse the wound with boiled water or a disinfecting fluid at 

 least once daily, in order to prevent the edges of the scrotal wounds 

 adhering. At a later stage this cleansing process is necessary for 

 the removal of pus, and must therefore be continued until suppuration 

 ceases. Provided no marked swelling or other complication appears, 

 the animal may be returned to light work in from eight to ten days. 



The most serious consequences of castration are : 



Bleeding. Apart from trivial skin bleeding haemorrhage is almost 

 entirely confined to cases where the spermatic cord has been twisted, 

 scraped, or torn through, and is very rare after castration with clams. 

 Even after torsion, etc., fatal bleeding is rare. The haemorrhage 

 resulting from division of cutaneous vessels occurs only in drops > 



