;68 



SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 



The horse being thrown on the left side, and the right hind 

 leg drawn up to the shoulder, as previously described, the 

 operator is to grasp the testicles with his hand, so that the skin 

 over the testicle may be tense and easily divided, an incision 

 is then to be made through the skin, about three inches in 

 length, rather more than less. He is then to proceed gradually 

 with his knife until a little fluid or water issues, by which he 

 may be sure that the vaginal sac is opened. Into this opening 

 one of the blades of a pair of scissors is to be introduced, and 

 when this is done the vaginal sac is laid open with the scissors 

 to the same extent as the incision in the skin. The testicle now 

 comes readily out, and after a little time, when the cremaster or 

 retractor muscle has relaxed sufficiently, the cord is to be placed 

 between the clams, so that the whole of the testicle, with the 

 epidydimis, may be outside the clams. The vas deferens may 

 be divided before the clams are put on ; but this is of no im- 

 portance, as its being included in the clams does not increase 



Clatns. 



|||f|Jli |!ll:l,:lilli:ilili!lli:i;lli.!:!iJK^ 



-jOf- 



Clam with regulating screw. 



the pain. The clams must be made very tight, or the cord will 

 slip through the moment the testicle is cut off. When, however, 

 the testicle is cut off with the nearly red hot firing iron, the 



have, on all occasions, been convinced of its being the most eligible period 

 foi- castrating. Operating thus early produces very little change in the 

 appearance of colts, as they are generally well in ten days ; and in every case 

 they grow larger than when castrated later." [I believe IMr. Brettargh's plan 

 is the best, unless the foal should appear too light about the neck. — Ed.] 



