818 THE STOCK owner's ADVISER. 



operation is a very simple one, and can be done while the animal 

 is standing in a narrow stall. There are no complications fol- 

 lowing the operation. 



CASTRATION OF SWINE. 



In maleSj the best and most convenient method where the ani- 

 mal is large is by use of the ecraseur. Small animals may be cas- 

 trated by the method of simple excision, with which all are fa- 

 miliar. 



In females, the animal must be prepared by securing upon the 

 right side in order to expose the left flank; the incision is made 

 after the bristles have been clipped off in a vertical position. The 

 left leg should be carried backwards, the head inclined on a 

 plank. The incision, from two to three inches in length, should 

 be made with a single stroke of the knife, without dividing the 

 peritoneum, which should afterwards be torn with the fingers, or 

 lifted with the forceps and cut. To find the ovaries the operator 

 introduces the index finger of the right hand between the verte- 

 bral column and the intestines and explores the lumbar region. 

 When the ovarian sac is found, he presses it against the abdomi- 

 nal wall, and causes it to slide by pushing towards the opening, 

 where it is caught. In the same way the right ovary is brought 

 out and both scraped from their attachment and the sac returned 

 to the abdomen. 



In old animals both ovaries must not be exposed outside to- 

 gether, but each must be returned when removal of the ovary 

 connected with it has been effected. 



When operating, if the animal is found to be in a state of 

 pregnancy, the proceeding must be discontinued, the patient 

 kept quiet, and the operation postponed. 



DOGS. 



The male is operated on by simple excision, tortion, ligature, 

 or ecraseur. The females are castrated on the side and under the 

 abdomen. The operation on the side requires about the same 



