VA GINAL OVA RIO TOM Y IN THE MARE. 1 2 3 



and finally leave every part wholly covered with epithelium. 

 By this plan it is hoped to avoid stricture of the urethra in 

 the process of healing. Remove the tourniquet and release 

 the patient. 



26. VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE MARE. 

 Figs. 13-14. 



Objects. The alleviation of vice when related to ovarian 

 irritation or disease. 



Instruments. Colin's scalpel, ratchet ecrasure, 55 cm. 

 long, vaginal tensor. 



Preparation of patient. It is highly important that 

 the animal should be kept on a scant laxative diet for at 

 least 24 hours and preferably longer prior to the operation, 

 so that the alimentary canal shall be somewhat empty and 

 thus decrease the intra-abdominal tension and relieve 

 the operator from much annoyance due to the pressure of 

 the viscera. 



Technic. The vagina of the mare is unique in its 

 physiological behavior. Under venereal excitement or the 

 introduction of the operator's hand or of tepid water the 

 organ has the power of ' ' ballooning ' ' or dilating to a degree 

 not so marked in other animals ; the vaginal walls become 

 erected, hard, and stand apart from each other, filling the 

 pelvic cavity, resting firmly against the pelvic bones 

 and ligaments at every part except at the points where 

 the bladder and rectum intervene and these organs are 

 pressed out fiat and occupy a minimum amount of space. 

 In the quiescent state the vaginal walls are in contact and 

 from the perinaeum forward to within about 10 cm. of the 

 uterine os, the vulva and vagina are connected above with 

 the rectum by the pelvic connective tissue, while anterior 

 to this point the vagina is covered by peritoneum, and it is 



