METHODS OF OPERATING. 647 



include the scrotum, and thus do away with the necessity for 

 dissection ? 



In some cases one or both testicles will be imperfectly 

 developed, small, and almost beyond the operator's reach ; but 

 by careful traction they may be included in the clam and 

 removed. 



THE CONSEQUENCES OF CASTRATION. 



Tliese are either favourable or unfavourable, normal or 

 abnormal. The normal or natural results are, a varying but 

 slight degree of inflammation, some swelling, and a discharge 

 of serum or pus. 



The swelling which succeeds the operation varies very much 

 in different subjects ; in some limited to the sheath, and con- 

 sisting of a mere serosity ; whilst in others it extends along the 

 floor of the abdominal walls, even as far forward as the sternum. 

 This, however, need cause no alarm, so long as the animal eats 

 well, and usually a few punctures with the lancet will, by 

 allowing the serosity to drain away, cause its disappearance in a 

 day or two ; but when the cord becomes tumefied to any great 

 extent, alarming consequences may be apprehended, and endea- 

 vours must be made to suppress the inflammation by fomenta- 

 tions with warm water to the part, assisted by the administration 

 of sedatives and febrifuges. 



Some operators are in the habit of applying irritant ointments 

 to the divided end of the cord immediately after the operation, 

 in order, as they say, to produce a discharge of matter. This is 

 a very reprehensible practice, and calculated to inflict much 

 pain. There is no necessity for the establishment of any suppu- 

 rative action ; indeed, the" very fact of there being any suppura- 

 tion at all, indicates that an amount of inflammation, calculated 

 to retard the healing process, has been excited by the operation, 

 and instead of irritating the parts with abominable mixtures, 

 such as sulphuric acid, olive oil and turpentine, it is the duty of 

 the practitioner to perform the operation in such a manner as to 

 cause but the slightest possible degree of pain, and to do nothing 

 liaving a tendency to retard the process of repair by the adhe- 

 sive inflammation. 



It will be found occasionally that the edges of the wounds 

 unite in a very short time after the operation, and that a consi- 



