CASTRATION. 



367 



Castration. 



The best method of performing this operation is that com- 

 monly employed, and one year old is the best period.* 



is then to be cut and twisted several times witli tlie left hand, by -which it is 

 slightly drawn up, whilst it is separated from the artery and cellular mem- 

 brane sufficiently for a probe pointed bistoury to be passed under it, which 

 being done, the nerve is quickly divided, the pain of which induces the animal 

 to struggle violently, but this struggle is generally the last he makes. The 

 nerve is now to be carefully dissected out to the full extent of the incision. 



The edges of the skin may or may not be connected with sutures, but the 

 bandage should be applied, and the horse turned for the operation on the 

 other side. 



Nerving Knife. 



This knife should be sharp on the point, and cut both on the concave and convex 



edges. 



Ci- 



New Nerving Knife. 



The point of this knife may be readily passed under the nerve, which may then be 



divided by its concave edge. 



The inside of the leg requires more care than the outside, inasmuch as the 

 nerve lies close to the artery in the former, and in tlie latter there is no artery 

 very near it. It is better, therefore, to operate on the inside of the leg first. 

 The precise situation of the nerve is pretty much the same in every horse, 

 being in the inside, somewhat behind and witliin the artery; and in the out- 

 side rather nearer the sinew than the ligament. When the low operation is 

 preferred an incision is to be made just behind the course of the artery, which 

 may be felt, and extending from about the middle of the fetlock joint to some- 

 what below it. After tlie operation is completed on both sides, a linen 

 bandage, being rolled from each end to the middle, is then to be carefully 

 wound round the leg, so as to assist in keeping the edges of the wound 

 together. The after treatment of the wounds requires mucii care and atten- 

 tion ; fur, wlien they are not nicely managed, the granulations being too 

 luxuriant and unchecked are skinned over, and form an enlargement, which 

 from its connection with the divided nerve is endowed with acute sensibility, 

 and from its prominence is very likely to be struck with the other leg, the 

 pain of which often throws the horse down. The bandages may remain un- 

 moved for two or three days, but should be frequently wetted with cold water, 

 as it is an object of much importance to keep down the inflammation that 

 succeeds the operation, as otherwise the leg may be permanently thickened, 

 — Sjjooner on the Foot, &,'C. 



* J\lr. Brettnrgh says, in the Veteriiuu-ian, vol. ii., " Every spring since 1811, 

 I have operated upon foals of all ages, from ten days old to four mouths, and 



