221 CASTRATION. 



teriorly, I very rapidly cut through the cellular texture, elevating the 

 tumour and turning it back, until I arrived at the inner and anterior point 

 and there was the only source of supply ; the artery was plainly to be 

 seen. In order to give the experiment a fair chance, I would not enclose it 

 in the forceps, but I cut through it. A jet of blood spirted out. I then 

 seized the vessel as quickly as I could, and began to turn the forceps, but 

 before I could effect more than a turn and a half I lost my hold on the 

 artery. I was vexed, and paused, waiting for the renewed gush of blood 

 that I might seize the vessel again ; but to my surprise not a drop more 

 blood came from the arterial trunk. That turn and a half, considerable 

 pressure having been used, had completely arrested the hemorrhage. I can 

 safely say that not more than four drachms of arterial blood were lost. 



The wound was sponged clean : there remained only a very slight oozing 

 from two or three points ; the flaps were brought together, secured by the 

 ordinary sutures, and the proper bandages applied. The weight of the 

 tumour was twenty-two ounces ; there was no after bleeding, no unpleasant 

 occurrences ; but the wound, which had been nearly six inches in length, 

 was closed in little more than three weeks. 



He will essentially promote the cause of science, and the cause of hu- 

 manity, who will avail himself of the opportunity which country practice 

 affords of putting the effect of torsion to the test ; and few things will be 

 more gratifying than the consciousness of rescuing our patients from the 

 unnecessary infliction of torture. 



In docking, it will be found perfectly practicable : our patients will 

 escape much torture, and tetanus will often be avoided. The principal 

 danger from castration has arisen from the severity with which the iron 

 has been employed. The colt, the sheep, and the dog will be fair subjects 

 for experiment. The cautery, as it regards the first, and the brutal vio- 

 lence too frequently resorted to in operating upon the others, have destroyed 

 thousands of animals. 



CASTRATION. 



This operation is performed on a great portion of our domestic animals. 

 It renders them more docile, and gives them a disposition to fatten. It 

 is followed by fewest serious accidents when it is performed on young 

 animals. The autumn or spring should, if possible, be chosen for the 

 operation, for the temperature of the atmosphere is then generally uniform 

 and moderate. It should be previously ascertained that the animal is in 

 perfect health ; and he should be prepared by a mash diet and bleeding, if 

 he is in a plethoric state, or possessed of considerable determination. If 

 it is a young animal that is to be operated upon, an incision may he made 

 into the scrotum, the testicle may be protruded, and the cord cut without 

 much precaution, for the blood will soon be stayed ; but for older animals 

 it will be advisable to use a ligature, applied moderately tightly round 

 the spermatic cord a little more than an inch beyond its insertion into 

 the testicle : the scalpel is then used, and a separation effected between 

 the ligature and the testis. The vas deferens needs not to be included ; a 

 great deal of pain will then be spared to the animal. 



The ordinary consequences of castration are pain, inflammation, en- 

 gorgement, and suppuration. The pain and suppuration are inevitable, 

 but generally yield to emollient applications. The engorgement is often 

 considerable at first, but soon subsides, and the suppuration usually abates 



