586 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 



the abdomen : thus, perhaps, occasioning death in another 

 way. 



Hernia rarely occurs, after castration : indeed, when the 

 pressure-clams have been properly applied, it is almost im- 

 possible for it to happen. Should any bowel protrude, it 

 will become necessary to cast the horse again, in order that 

 it may be completely returned, and effectual measures taken 

 to prevent return, and ensure its permanent reduction. Where 

 no pressure-clams have been or can be used, the best — 

 indeed the only — means of security we possess against re- 

 lapsed protrusion, consist in stitching up the scrotum ; for 

 which the quill-suture will be found the strongest and most 

 durable,^ 



Cases of Descent of Bowel after Castration do, on 

 occasions, occur, and in some instances, such is the restora- 

 tive power in the young animal, occur with impunity, as the 

 following case shows : 



" A few weeks since I was sent for in great haste a distance of about 

 three miles to see a well-bred two-year-old colt that had that afternoon 

 been castrated. After the operation, when the animal began to walk, 

 the castrator observed an enlargement in the scrotum, which in a few 

 minutes proved to be the intestine. It began to increase, and descended 

 nearly to the hock. I was immediately sent for, and by the time I arrived 

 the castrator had the colt again cast, replaced the intestines, and put 

 three stitches of small twine in the abdominal ring through and across ; 

 also three more stitches through the upper part of the scrotum, as close 

 to the ring as possible. The stitches appeared to be well placed in the 

 ring, and I did not consider it necessary to make any alteration : had I 

 been there a few minutes earlier, I should have used the metallic wire, 

 instead of the twine. The colt did well, without any further treatment 

 more than a little physic and a restricted diet. 



This person informed me that he had operated on more than 8000 

 colts, but never had such a case before. The omentum he frequently 

 found in the scrotum : that he never hesitates to take off, even to the 

 extent of a yard," 



Peritonitis is a serious and sad consequence of the opera- 

 tion, and one that may show itself at any period, even during 



' For further information on tlic subject of this hernia, turn back to p. 390. 



