242 CASTRATION OF SOWS. 



the bristles the primary incision is made in che skin of the left 

 flank, in front of the outer angle of the ilium, in the direction 

 of the external abdominal muscle, or from above downwards 

 and backwards. Other operators make it at right angles to the 

 vertebral column. The opening must be sufficiently large to permit 

 of the index finger being introduced through the abdominal muscles 

 and peritoneum. During an inspiration, or at the moment when 

 the pig squeals, the finger is suddenly thrust through the abdominal 

 tunics, thus preventing the peritoneum dissecting away from the 

 abdominal wall, which would not only render the operation difficult, 

 but might also lead to troublesome sequela?. With the index finger 

 in the abdominal cavity, the operator first secures the left ovary, 

 which is the size of a bean, of firm consistence, and lies nearly 

 equidistant from the external angle of the ilium and the middle line 

 of the sacrum. When the ovary or the uterus is grasped the animal 

 usually squeals, a fact of considerable importance in guiding the 

 operator. The left ovary is drawn outwards and held by the right 

 hand, whilst the index finger and thumb of the left hand gradually 

 bring the left horn of the uterus into the wound, and finally into 

 the right hand. As soon as the point of union of the two uterine 

 horns becomes visible, the operator draws forward the right horn, 

 together with the right ovary, in a similar fashion. Both ovaries 

 are now nipped or torn off, or excised with a knife. In young 

 animals the entire uterus is often removed without bad effect. In 

 older sows only the ovaries are removed, and care must be taken 

 not to draw forward the body of the uterus. The uterine horns 

 are then returned to the peritoneal cavity, the skin wound is sutured, 

 and the animal placed alone in a clean, cool stall. During the ensuing 

 twelve hours it should only receive clean water or small quantities of 

 readily digestible food. 



Many modifications of these methods have been suggested. In 

 older sows, the abdominal muscles are also cut through, leaving 

 only the peritoneum to be divided with the finger. Should the 

 operator attempt to divide the muscles by means of the finger in 

 such animals, a pocket is formed into which a coil of intestine may 

 pass, become adherent, and cause death, either from peritonitis or 

 from incarceration. In such cases the operator is often erroneously 

 blamed, it being thought that he has sutured the bowel to the 

 abdominal wound. 



Beginners are advised to perform a few experimental operations 

 in order to gain experience, otherwise they may be unable to find 

 the ovaries. The extreme dexterity which can be attained, however 



