244 CASTRATION OF IUKDS. 



A long probe, with a slightly bent end, is passed along the upper 

 wall of the vagina into the uterus ; the end is then turned towards 

 the lower abdominal wall, so that its presence can be recognised 

 about 1£ to 2 inches in front of the edge of the os pubis. At this 

 point an incision 1| to 2 inches in length is made close to the linea 

 alba, the peritoneum is pierced with the finger, and with the help 

 of the probe the uterus is discovered ; from this the ovaries are 

 easily found, and can be removed by torsion, or by the knife after 

 ligation of the ligament. The skin wound must be carefully sutured 

 and treated antiseptically. It has been suggested that in young 

 animals a double ligature might be applied close behind the point 

 of bifurcation of the uterus and the organ divided between the two 

 ligatures without the operator troubling to discover the ovaries. 

 Whether this would destroy the sexual appetite or only the repro- 

 ductive powers seems doubtful. 



Several German veterinary surgeons recommend operating in the 

 linea alba, breaking through the broad uterine ligament, and cutting 

 off the ovaries after ligation with catgut. The abdominal muscles 

 are united with catgut, the skin with silk, and a surgical dressing 

 is applied by means of a bandage passed round the body. 



The most important complications are fatal bleeding and peri- 

 tonitis. Death from bleeding seldom results after the first twenty- 

 four hours, but peritonitis may prove fatal within a period of from 

 two to ten days. Fatal bleeding is best prevented by ligation of 

 the pedicle, and peritonitis by observing antisepsis, as in all operations 

 that include interference with the peritoneal cavity. 



(f) Castration of birds consists in dividing the oviduct. The birds 

 are held by an assistant as in caponing, and an incision about f to 

 lj inches in length, and about the same distance from the anus, is 

 made through the abdominal wall. The disinfected forefinger is 

 introduced, the rectum thrust to one side, and the oviduct, which 

 lies below the rectum, and can be recognised by its white colour, 

 is grasped with forceps. The duct is then drawn forward, and cut 

 across with scissors about three quartersof an inch in front of its junction 

 with the rectum. Some operators excise a portion. After returning the 

 ends the wound is sutured as was described in connection with caponing. 



By slowly exercising pressure on the lower portion of the bird's 

 body the oviduct can be forced outwards through an incision made 

 above the anus. It is then cut through, and the incision sutured. 



Curing the ensuing three or four days the birds are kept apart 

 in a cool, quiet place, and receive light food. 



Extirpation of the ovaries is dangerous in hens, and as castration by 

 division of the oviduct is sufficient, oophorectomy is not practised. 



