FLANK METHOD 723 



Instruments. — Six-inch curved scissors for the purpose of re- 

 moving hair from site of incision. Miles' hook knife (Fig. 114). 

 Hagedorn half-circle needle No. 1 (Fig. 115). The Hagedorn 

 needle is here specified in preference to all others, on account of its 

 curved shape and cutting spear point. No. 12 braided silk and a 

 sheep and swine emasculator (see Fig. 106). 



114. — Miles' hook knife. 



Suturing of the wound is greatly facilitated if a pair of Richter's 

 needle-holders are available. 



Methods of Operating. — There are two standard methods — 

 viz., flank and median line, or "belly." Each have their advantages 



Fig. 115. — Hagedorn half-circle needle No. 1. 



and disadvantages. However, taking everything into considera- 

 tion, the writer greatly prefers the flank method. 



Flank Method 



Operative Technic— Sterilize the instruments by boiling or 

 otherwise. The animal should be properly secured (see Figs. Ill, 

 112, and 113) and placed on the right side. 



Remove hair from flank by clipping with scissors. Wash 

 hands of operator and left flank of animal with 2 per cent, lysol solu- 

 tion. With hook knife (see Fig. 114) make oblique incision 1 inch 

 to 1| inches long, beginning high in the flank, 1 to 2 inches posterior 

 (behind) the last rib. This incision should run downward and 

 backward at an angle of 45 degrees (see Fig. 113, 0). The incision 



