222 



CRYPTORCRTD CASTRATION. 



In cases of double-sided abdominal cryptorchidism the operation 

 may be performed on each side in succession, or, if the length of the 

 spermatic cords permit, both testicles may be removed through one 

 wound. Usually the scrotal wound is not sutured ; but in certain 

 cases, as when recurrence of prolapse of intestine is feared, the 

 wound may be closed with five to eight silk sutures, powdered with 

 iodoform-tannhi (1-3). and covered with a layer of aseptic cotton- 

 wool, held in place by a suspensory bandage. 



I.L. M. L. 



A 



m\ 



Fig. 248. — The prepubic and inguinal regions seen from below. (On 

 either side of the middle line is visible the lower abdominal ring and 

 the entrance to the inguinal canal.) 



I.C.L.A.E. Inner commissure of the lower abdominal ring, o.c.l.a.r. 

 Outer commissure of the lower abdominal ring. i.l. Inner lip. o.L. 

 Outer lip. o.a.i. Obliquus abdominis internus muscle, t. Testicle 

 covered with the tunica vaginalis propria. It has descended as far as the 

 lower abdominal ring (inguinal cryptorchidism), g. Fibrous band repre- 

 senting the gubernaculum testis, l. The dotted line shows the position 

 and direction of the opening made in the obliquus abdominis internus 

 nuiscle when operating by Bang and Moller's method, c.t. Common 

 tendon of the abdominal muscles, p. Section through penis, s. Skin. 

 m. Median line. 



This completes the operation, and the horse can be allowed to 

 rise. In most cases the after-treatment is similar to that of ordinary 

 castration. The animal may be placed in a clean loose-box and 

 fed sparingly on laxative diet, and after an interval of 24 hours 

 exercised at a walk for twenty minutes twice a day until convalescent. 

 It is seldom necessary to tie the horse up, but when the operation 

 has been a protracted one, the patient may be tied up for four days 

 and kept on half rations, after which it may be allowed to lie down, 



