222 SURGICAL DISEASES 



whips should not be introduced into the oesophagus for the pur- 

 pose of dislodging the foreign body. There is always danger of 

 the whip becoming broken off, and the broken part lodging in the 

 opsophagus. Neither should such rigid objects as a broom or 

 rake handle be introduced, because of the danger from serious 

 injury to the walls of the pharynx and oesophagus. The flexible 

 probang, which is usually made of spiral wire covered with 

 leather, is a very useful instrument to relieve choke when in the 

 hands of an experienced operator. If the object causing the 

 choke is situated in the neck portion of the oesophagus, it may 

 sometimes be moved forward, or toward the stomach by pressure 

 with the fingers. 



Castration. — The castration of the male is a common opera- 

 tion in domestic animals. The purpose of the operation is to 

 render the animal more useful for work or meat production. 



The age at which the operation is performed varies in the 

 different species. The colt is usually castrated when he is one 

 year old, and the calf, pig and lamb when a few weeks or a few 

 months of age. It is not advisable to castrate the young at wean- 

 ing time. The operation and the weaning together may tempo- 

 rarily check the growth of the animal. Colts that are unde- 

 veloped and in poor flesh, or affected with colt distemper, should 

 be allowed to recover before they are operated on. In all ani- 

 mals, it is advisable to wait until after they have recovered 

 from disease and become thrifty and strong. 



The spring, early summer and fall are the most suitable 

 seasons for castrating the young. It may be practised during the 

 hot or cold months of the year with little danger from wound 

 infection or other complications, providing the necessary after- 

 attention can be given. 



The preparation of the animal for the operation by with- 

 holding all feed for about twelve hours is very advisable. If 

 this is practised, the stomach and intestines are not distended 

 with feed, and the young are cleaner, easier to handle and suffer 



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