I30 



I'AGINAL OVARIOTOM)- IN THE COW. 



beyond the end of the cornua, which is continuous with the 

 uterus. If, therefore, one traces the uterus forward to the 

 cornua, thence along each of these to their extremities and 

 along the borders of the broad ligament to the ovary, as 

 above directed, the error will not occur. 



The incision may be made too low and pass beneath 

 the broad ligament. It is to be avoided by being careful to 

 keep close to the median line and above the os uteri. If it 

 occurs the operation may be completed from beneath with- 

 out verj^ great difficulty only that the ovary now lies above 

 the hand and must be drawn down from on top the broad 

 ligament in order to fix the ecraseur upon it. 



Infection constitutes always the most serious danger and 

 is to be avoided by properly securing the animal, by the 

 avoidance of irritant antiseptics in the vagina, by rigid anti- 

 sepsis at every stage, and by carrying out the mechanical 

 parts of the operation deliberately, vigorously and neatly. 

 If infection should occur it will generally take the form of 

 pelvic cellulitis with abscesses and rectal stricture. Enemas 

 of a normal salt or soda solution affords the surest relief of 

 the stricture and impaction in front of it. The abscesses 

 must be watched and opened early into the vagina or rec- 

 tum, and the case treated internally and locally according 

 to general surgical principles. 



27. VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE COW. 



Objects. Increasing the fat- or milk-producing qualities 

 and the cure of nymphomania or other ovarian disease. 



Instruments. Colin's scalpel, vaginal dilator. Miles' 

 spaying shears, spaying ecraseur. 



Technic. Confine the cow in the standing position in 

 the stocks, secure the head firmly and pass two boards be- 

 neath the abdomen and sternum to prevent lying down, and 

 a rope over the middle of the back to prevent arching of 

 the spinal column and straining. 



