Vaginal Ovariotomy in the Mare 267 



loop, include a large portion of the oviduct, and crush off 

 promptly, holding to the gland until carried out through the 

 vulva. If the tumor or cyst is very large it may not be 

 practicable to remove it through the vaginal incision. The 

 incision may be enlarged six to ten inches, but after such 

 enlargement suturing is necessary in order to avoid pro- 

 lapse of the intestines. The suturing of the vaginal in- 

 cision is not, however, a serious task. The lips of the wound 

 may be grasped by means of long dressing forceps and held 

 firmly while the operator with a short, curved needle closes 

 the incision by means of a continuous suture beginning at 

 the anterior end. When the ovary is cystic or the surgeon 

 is dealing with a large parovarian cyst, the cyst may be 

 grasped by its peduncle and engaged in the vaginal in- 

 cision. The cyst may then be punctured with a trocar or 

 scalpel and the liquid contents permitted to escape into the 

 vagina or through the canula of the trocar, beyond the 

 vulva. Wash away any blood from the external parts. Apply 

 sublimate solution freely to the vulva, perineum and tail. 

 Keep the patient quiet for five or six days, and feed lightly 

 on a laxative diet. 



2. In operating under anaesthesia, the animal should be 

 cast or confined upon the operating table in lateral recum- 

 bency, preferably with the posterior part of the body some- 

 what higher than the anterior in order to avoid visceral 

 pressure in the pelvic cavity. Place the animal under com- 

 plete anaesthesia. Prepare the parts as already described. 

 Carry the knife into the vagina as directed previously and 

 render the roof of that organ tense by pushing the os uteri 

 downward and forward with the hand or by means of the 

 vaginal tensor or speculum. It is important that the vagina 

 be held well down toward the floor of the pelvis, so as to 

 carry it away from the rectum, posterior aorta, and iliac 

 arteries while the incision is being made. The incision is 

 now to be made just above and behind and a trifle to one side 

 of the os uteri, in essentially the same manner as under 1, 

 except that when the vaginal tensor is used, the cut is made 

 upward and backward instead of directly forward. The 



