648 CASTRATION. 



derable effusion into the scrotal sac subsequently occurs. In 

 such^ the rule of non-interference must be slightly departed 

 from, and it becomes necessary to apply warm fomentations tc 

 the part, in order to soften and separate the united edges, and 

 allow the escape of the incarcerated serosity ; but even in such 

 instances the fomentations need not be repeated. 



The inauspicious consequences of castration are, hernia, 

 scirrhous cord or champignon, peritonitis, gangrene, tetanus, 

 amaurosis, glanders, and farcy. 



Hcemorrliage need not occur if the operation be properly 

 performed ; a shght degree of bleeding from the vessels of the 

 ■scrotum is of no consequence, except when it occurs in lambs. 

 In these animals even a very slight amount of bleeding into 

 the scrotum is followed by very serious consequences ; indeed, 

 this sometimes causes a great fatality amongst lambs castrated 

 in the months of September and October. It sets up a very 

 high degree of erysipelatous inflammation in the cord, extending 

 to the peritoneum, which, along with the cord and surrounding 

 structures, speedily becomes gangrenous. The blood imprisoned 

 in the scrotum of the lamb, decomposing very rapidly, seems to 

 exert a toxic effect upon the surrounding tissues, therefore great 

 care must always be taken that the operation is performed with- 

 out hsemorrhage ; and for this reason I am of opinion that the 

 scrotum of lambs five or six months old should be opened with 

 the actual cautery, and all bleeding thus prevented. 



The admission of air into the peritoneal sac, which often occurs 

 when the horse rises after the operation, and is demonstrable 

 by a rusliing or gurgling sound, never does any harm. Indeed, 

 air must always be admitted into the peritoneal sac, and the 

 instances mentioned where the sound often causes much alarm 

 differ from others merely in such admission being accompanied 

 by a rushing noise. 



Farcy and glanders occasionally result from castration ; but 

 they are merely accidental, and depend upon the animal 

 being predisposed prior to the operation, or that he has been 

 subjected to some taint immediately subsequent to its per- 

 formance. 



Paralysis is also recorded as a result; and in all proba- 

 bility it is due to some injury to the vertebra3 or muscles of 

 the back or loins, occurring wliilst the animal is secured for 

 operation. 



