OVARIOTOMY IN THE BITCH. 



141 



The iliac arteries are at times caught and ruptured by 

 the finger but the blunder is uncalled for except through 

 nervousness of the operator. 



Instances of puncturing the bladder in making the in- 

 cision have been reported. If the bitch has been led out 

 and caused to urinate prior to operating, the accident is 

 made practically impossible. 



30. OVARIOTOMY IN THE BITCH BY THE LINEA ALBA. 

 Plate XX. 



Instruments. Same as in the preceding. 



Technic. Confine in the dorsal position with the head 

 sharply declined. Shave and disinfect an area on the median 

 line about 6 cm. square extending forward from the pubic 

 brim. Make an incision on the median line about 4 cm. 

 long beginning just in front of the pubic brim and extend- 

 ing forward cutting entirely through the skin, the linea 

 alba and peritoneum. Insert an index finger and identify 

 the uterus or broad ligament by its location and form. 

 The finger usually comes in contact first with the urinary 

 bladder which may more or less obstruct the passage to the 

 uterus according to its degree of distension. When empty 

 as shown at B, it offers practically no obstruction. When 

 very much distended it may be evacuated by gentle pressure 

 with the fingers. The operator should be careful not to 

 draw the bladder out through the incision as its replace- 

 ment may prove difficult and its puncture with a hypo- 

 dermic needle or an enlargement of the abdominal incision 

 may be necessary in order to bring about its return. Push 

 the bladder aside if necessary and just above it and below the 

 rectum the uterus should be readily distinguished and either 

 it or the broad ligament caught by the finger and brought 

 out through the incision after which the operation proceeds 



