234 



CASTRATION. 



The instruments and operator's hands having been thoroughly 

 disinfected, an ovariotome is carried into the vagina, which at firsj 

 contracts but shortly afterwards becomes dilated, enabling the 

 knife to be readily advanced to the seat of incision — the space between 

 the vaginal roof and the upper aspect of the neck of the uterus. By 

 a sharp, forward thrust the blade divides the wall of the vagina in 

 the middle line. The knife is then dropped on to the floor of the 

 vagina, and the right index finger is at once passed through 

 the puncture into the peritoneal cavity, in order to make 



Fig. 259.— Ovariotomy in the cow. Second stage. 



certain that the vaginal wall has been completely divided. By 

 pressing on and slightly tearing the tissues the middle finger is then 

 introduced alongside the index. As a rule, only these two fingers 

 should be passed into the peritoneal cavity, but sometimes it may 

 be found necessary to insert the hand. To secure the ovaries the 

 base of the vagina is thrust forward a little, while the two fingers 

 glide over the uterus towards one side where the horn originates. 

 Here the fingers meet the ovary, which is readily recognised 1>\ its 

 shape and size. The gland is nipped between the ringers and is then 

 drawn through the incision into the vagina. The ecraseur, with 



