CASTRATION. 145 



beaten with the sprig of a vine ; then, when swelled up .iy the 

 stroke of this rod, opened with a lancet, and, after enough blood 

 has been drawn, the vein must be bound up with the rind of the 

 willow or elm- tree." 



This operation should always be performed with the lancet if 

 possible : in cases of urgent haste, when no lancet is at hand, a small 

 penknife may be used ; but the fleam is a dangerous and objection- 

 able instrument. 



CASTRATION OR SPAYING. 



This operation is performed on many of our domesticated ani- 

 mals, with a view of increasing their docility and usefulness, and on 

 others to dispose them to fatten and attain to early maturity ; it 

 consists in removing the testicles of the male, and the ovaries, and 

 sometimes a more or less considerable portion of the uterus, of the 

 female. 



Pigs are chiefly castrated with a view to fattening them ; and 

 doubtless castration has the required effect, and therefore is less ob- 

 jectionable when performed on the pig, than when the horse or dog 

 is subjected to it ; for at the same time that it increases the quiescent 

 qualities of the animal, it diminishes his courage, spirits, and nobler 

 attributes, and even affects his form. The tusks of a castrated boar 

 never grow like those of the natural animal, but always have a 

 dwarfed, stunted appearance. 



If possible, this operation should be performed in the spring or 

 autumn, as the temperature is then more equable, and care should 

 be taken that the animal is in perfect health. Those which are fat 

 and plethoric should be prepared by bleeding, cooling diet, and quiet. 

 Pigs are castrated at all ages, from a fortnight to three, six, and 

 eight weeks, and even four months old. There are various modes 

 of performing the operation : we will begin by quoting those de- 

 scribed by Professor Vatel : Vatel's Elements de Pathologic Ve- 

 terinaire. 



"Castration by simple division of the spermatic cord. If the pig 

 is not more than six weeks old, an incision is made at the bottom of 

 the scrotum, the testicle pushed out, and the cord cut without any 

 precautionary means whatever. But when the animal is older, there 

 is reason to fear that hemorrhage to a greater or less extent will 

 supervene; consequently it will be advisable to pass a ligature 

 round the cord a little above the spot where the division is intended 

 to take place. 



"Castration by tearing the cord. Swine are thus operated on by 

 some cutters : An assistant holds the pig, pressing the back of the 

 animal against his chest and belly, keeping the head elevated, and 

 grasping all the four legs together ; or, which is the preferable way. 



