DISEASES OF THE MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 317 



AMAUROSIS. 



This is a sequel of castration, having been known to follow 

 cases where hemorrhage from the small testicular artery had 

 occurred. The condition is incurable. 



The reader shoukl not come to the conclusion, after reading the 

 various results of the operation, that it is a serious one. It is a 

 very trivial one. Out of thirty-three hundred operations with 

 the testicles in the scrotum, castrated at all seasons of the year 

 and ail ages, I have not had any of the conditions enumerated, 

 except swelling from the wound closing too soon. 



CASTRATION OF FEMALES. 



Time of Operation. — The best time to perform the operation 

 upon cows is from the sixth to the eighth year, or after they 

 have had their second or third calf. The cow should not be in 

 heat or pregnant, and the time selected should be from forty to 

 sixty days after calving. 



Two methods have been practiced. The original method was 

 that of removal through the flanks, which, however, has fallen 

 into disuse. The Charlier method of removal through the vagina 

 is the process altogether to be preferred. It is very simple, and 

 consists of inserting the hand into the vagina until the neck of 

 the uterus is reached. Press against the neck of the uterus with 

 the hand in order to stretch the walls of the vagina. Be sure 

 that it is well stretched; then with a bistoury pierce the vaginal 

 walls about two inches above the neck of the uterus. The in- 

 cision should be three and a half inches in length, and made from 

 below upwards and backwards. Now pass the fingers through 

 the opening and feel for the ovaries, which will be found floating 

 at the extremity of their ligaments, toward the entrance of the 

 pelvis, below on each side and a short distance from tlic incision. 

 Grasp the ovary and draw it carefully into the vagina and re- 

 move it with the ecraseur. 



No further treatment is required beyond careful dieting. The 



