MEDIAN LINE OR "BELLY" METHOD 725 



braided silk. They should extend through all layers of the ab- 

 dominal wall, including skin and peritoneum, or, in other words, 

 should be what is known as the "through-and-through suture" 

 (Fig. 117). Sponge off wound with antiseptic solution and re- 

 lease the animal. 



In sows which have given birth to one or more litters of pigs 

 the Fallopian tubes ("horns") are oftentimes so large that the 

 left one must be replaced in the abdomen before the right is with- 



Fig. 117. — Abdominal incision iS) closed with two interrupted sutures {T), 



drawn. In such event, of course, only one ovary can be removed at 

 a time. However, both ovaries can always be removed through 

 the same flank incision. 



Median Line or "Belly" Method 



Operative Technic. — Sterilize instruments and wash hands same 

 as for flank operation. With the animal properly secured in the 

 hanging posture (Fig. 118), the hair is removed from site of incision, 

 and parts cleansed with 2 per cent, lysol solution. With, hook 

 knife (see Fig. 114) begin incision 2 to 3 inches below pubis and ^ 

 inch to either right or left of the median line. This incision 

 should be extended downward about 1^ inches and should include 

 all tissues of the abdominal wall, down to the peritoneum (Fig. 118). 



