OOPHORECTOMY. 



233 



serous coats with the finger ; but as the serous coat may recede in 

 front of the finger this method is not advisable. 



As now practised the vaginal operation is not very difficult. A 

 speculum is seldom employed, and the only instruments required 

 are an ovariotome and an ecraseur with an extra long stem. 



The animal should be prepared for some days by restricting its 

 diet and by administering laxatives. Immediately before operation 

 an enema is given to empty the rectum, after which the base of the 

 tail, anus, buttocks, vulva, etc., are carefully washed and disinfected. 



Fig. 257.— Guarded 

 bistoury for incis- 

 ing upper wall of 

 vagina. 



Fig. 258. — Ovariotomy in the cow. First stage. 

 The vagina is washed out with a solution of a nonirritant antiseptic 

 (protargol, carbolic acid, or hydrogen peroxide), and finally irrigated 

 with a one per cent, solution of soda bicarbonate. 



The cow is secured in a standing position in a narrow stall, and 

 a rope is passed in a figure-of-8 fashion around the hind limbs above 

 the hocks, while assistants pinch the spine when straining occurs, 

 prevent lateral movements, and hold the tail to one side. Some 

 operators administer a full dose of chloral hydrate half an hour 

 before beginning the operation. 



