Cystic Degeneration of the Ovisacs 407 



the vagina, that no viscera and no part of the mesometrium 

 (broad ligament of the uterus) lie between the vagina and 

 the cyst. Since the cyst is regularly upon the anterior or 

 free border of the ovary, the anterior border of the gland 

 should be turned over upward, backward, and then down- 

 ward so that, when ready for the stab, the anterior or con- 

 vex border of the ovary shall be directed downward and 

 backward, thus bringing the cyst wall into direct contact 

 with the peritoneal surface of the vaginal roof. The scalpel 

 thus passes through the vaginal roof and the cyst wall only. 

 If the vaginal wall is tensely stretched over the ovary, the 

 stab wound in it is reduced to a minimum, so that, when the 

 cyst collapses and the vaginal wall is released and returns 

 to its normal state, the stab wound is but a fraction of the 

 width of the scalpel blade in extent. If, through error, the 

 mesometrium lies between the cyst and the vaginal wall, 

 the scalpel may wound it, causing an extensive hemorrhage 

 in the broad ligament or in the peritoneal cavity. If a com- 

 petent assistant is available, it is in better accord with sur- 

 gical principles for the assistant to grasp the ovary per rec- 

 tum, carry it back, and pass it to the operator's hand in the 

 vagina, so that the latter may have his other hand unsoiled 

 and ready to use the scalpel. Sometimes this would prove 

 a material advantage because the cow may strain while the 

 hand which has been used in the rectum is being washed, 

 causing the operator's hold to slip. The time lost may con- 

 sequently bring about failure in a given attempt and necessi- 

 tate a repetition. 



When common cows become nymphomaniac early in lac- 

 tation, the veterinarian should consider the prudence of 

 handling by castration. The removal of the ovaries stops 

 the nymphomania, stabilizes lactation, and tends to cause 

 the animal to fatten rapidly as the lactation period nears 

 its close, enabling the dairyman to dispose of the animal 

 profitably for beef. When an animal is dry or lactation un- 

 profitable and the patient has become extremely emaciated, 

 as indicated in Fig. 129, the veterinarian should be cautious 

 about advising ovariotomy. The operation can not succeed 



