GASTRO-HYSTEEOTOMIA 217 



To prevent the wound from becoming covered with dust, 

 or otherwise soiled, it may be covered with sublimat-glycerine- 

 gelatine, an excellent agent, surpassing in this instance col- 

 lodium or traumaticin. 



[Sublimat-glycerine-gelatine is prepared by taking a defi- 

 nite amount of ordinary sheet gelatine. This is soaked in water 

 containing 1 per cent, corrosive sublimate. After thoroughly 

 soaking it, the mass is gently heated and 10 per cent, of gly- 

 cerine is added. When needed, it is heated and applied in a 

 thin layer with a brush. — W.] 



When the operation is performed aseptically, no further 

 treatment is necessary. Although the silk is slowly resorbed, 

 it does not produce suppuration. After about six days the 

 wound forms a nice granulating streak, showing the silk here 

 and there. This becomes imbedded and the wound is healed 

 completely in fourteen days ; at that time union is so firm that 

 the stitches may be removed from the skin. 



To prevent pressure against the wound by the intestines 

 as much as possible, the cow's hindquarters are elevated. 



4.— Csesarean Section, Gastro-hysterotomia. 



Gastro-hysterotomy is an operation known for centuries, 

 birth taking place by means of laparotomy and metrotomy. It 

 is an operation endangering the life of the mother, although 

 danger is to-day materially lessened on account of our knowl- 

 edge of infectious agents and means to prevent them. 



Indications.— Cesarean section is not frequently performed 

 in the cow. It is only indicated where the calf cannot be born 

 naturally in spite of all attempts. When the foetus is access- 

 ible to the hand, other methods are usually employed to 

 deliver it ; for instance, embryotomy, an operation much less 

 dangerous when rationally performed. Only in obliteration of 

 the cervical canal, where vaginal hysterotomy has failed, and 

 in torsio uteri, which could not be reduced even by a lapar- 

 otomy, may it be indicated (Albert). This operation is not 



