236 



CASTRATION. 



Oi 



a loop of chain projecting, is next passed into the vagina, and the 

 ovary is slipped through the loop of the ecraseur, which is tightened 

 up until the pedicle is divided. The first ovary when 

 free is left on the vaginal floor, the fingers being 

 again introduced into the peritoneal cavity to secure 

 the second gland, which is removed in precisely the 

 same way. 



The ovarian pedicles at once return into the 

 abdomen, and the edges of the incised wound come 

 together spontaneously as the vagina contracts. The 

 operator in withdrawing his hand brmgs away the 

 ovaries and knife and any blood clots that may be 

 found on the vaginal floor. 



Hoffmann describes the antiseptic method. The 

 vulva and neighbouring parts are thoroughly brushed 

 with warm soap and water, warm water is injected 

 into the vagina, and the parts are cleansed with the 

 disinfected hand. After removing the water with the 

 hand or with the help of a rubber tube, Hoffmann 

 rinses out the vagina with a disinfecting fluid, and 

 again washes it with the left hand. The speculum 

 is then passed as far as the os uteri with the same 

 hand, and the right hand, carrying a bistouri cache, 

 being introduced, an incision is made through the 

 upper wall of the vagina. The right hand is then 

 passed through the opening into the peritoneal cavity, 

 the left ovary is found, grasped between the index 

 and middle fingers, and drawn into the vagina, where 

 it is twisted off by means of forceps. The right 

 ovary is removed with the left hand. To prevent 

 straining after operation a pole is passed over the 

 animal's loins. A few hours after the operation the 

 temperature rises to 102-3° F., but falls to normal 

 within the next few days. Should it, however, re- 

 main high, the vagina is washed out with a disinfectant. 

 The vaginal operation may be followed by symp- 

 toms of colic, which are seldom serious, by haemorr- 

 hage, and occasionally by abscess formation and 

 peritonitis. Profuse bleeding during operation is 

 nearly always fatal, the animal dying in a few minutes. This com- 

 plication arises from accidental wounding of the aorta, or one of 

 the iliac vessels when incising the vaginal wall. The pedicle, after 



