64 TECHNIC OF ANIMAL INOCULATION 



METHOD OF MAKING INTRAPERITONEAL INOCULATION 

 Rabbit. 1. Clip the hair and shave an area about two inches in 

 diameter in the median abdominal line, just below the umbilicus. 

 Apply 2 per cent, iodin in alcohol. 



2. Direct an assistant to hold the animal firmly, head down. With 

 the animal in this position the loops of intestine tend to sink toward the 

 diaphragm, leaving an area above the bladder which is sometimes free 

 of intestines (Fig. 33). 



3. The syringe is grasped firmly, and the needle inserted beneath the 

 skin for a short distance, in the direction of the head in the long axis of 

 the animal when the hand is raised and the needle forced forward 

 through the peritoneum. When the peritoneum has been entered, this 

 is evidenced by a relaxation of the abdominal muscles. The needle 

 is then withdrawn slightly and the injection made. 



Guinea-pig. 1. Direct an assistant to hold the animal firmly upon 

 its back. This is better than fastening it to an operating-table, for it 

 permits relaxation of the abdominal wall when the injection is to be 

 made. 



2. Clip the hair close to the skin in the median abdominal line. A 

 small area may be shaved although this is not necessary. Disinfect 

 with an application of iodin in alcohol. 



3. With the left forefinger and thumb pinch up the entire thickness 

 of the abdominal parietes in a triangular fold, and slip the peritoneal sur- 

 faces over each other to ascertain that no coils of intestine are included. 



4. Grasp the syringe in the right hand, and insert the needle into 

 the fold near its base. 



5. Release the fold and inject the fluid. If a swelling forms, this 

 shows that the needle is in the subcutaneous tissues, and another at- 

 tempt should be made to enter the peritoneum. 



6. It may be difficult to pinch up the parietes without including the 

 intestine. In such case straighten out the animal and stretch the skin 

 between the left forefinger and thumb. Insert the needle obliquely 

 until it is beneath the skin. A slight thrust suffices to pierce the peri- 

 toneum, when the abdominal muscles will be felt to relax. Withdraw the 

 needle slightly and inject the fluid. 



7. Seal the wound with a touch of collodion. 



