/ 



298 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



good free incision should be liiade, exposing the testicle completely. 

 Now it may be removed by simply cutting it off. The only danger 

 of doing this is that hemorrhage is liable to follow. To obviate this, 

 before the division of the spermatic cord it should be twisted several 

 times in the following manner : Take hold of the cord with the left 

 hand, having it between the thumb and the index finger. Now twist 

 the free portion several times with the right hand, all the time being 

 careful to push with the left hand toward the body of the animal. 

 In this way the danger of injury to the cord during the animal's 

 struggles will be overcome. There will be no hemorrhage, or very 

 little, if it has been done properly. This is the most simple manner 

 of torsion. There are forceps and other instruments made to per- 

 form the operation in this manner. The actual cautery is an old 

 method, but we shall not describe it, as we consider that we have bet- 

 ter methods now. The next method with the clamps, although ex- 

 tensively used ujDon the horse, is not practiced to so great an extent 

 upon the bovine at the present time. It is a very old method, and is 

 considered very safe. Clamps are used in the covered and uncovered 

 operations. 



More modern methods are by the use of special instruments known 

 as the emasculator and the ecraseur. 



The operation of " mulling " or crushing the spermatic cord is an 

 unscientific and barbarous procedure, causing unnecessary pain and 

 suffering. 



The methods described above apply only to the animal in a normal 

 condition. Before operating everything should be examined to see 

 that it is as it should be. If otherwise, a special operative procedure 

 will be necessary. Whichever mode of operation is adopted from a 

 practical standpoint, the principal precautions to be taken in order 

 to attain success are as follows: First, thorough cleanliness under 

 strict aseptic and antiseptic precautions; second, a free and boldly 

 made incision ; third, the avoidance of undue pulling or tension upon 

 the spermatic cord ; fourth, free drainage, which can be maintained, 

 provided the original incision has been properly made. 



The operation of castration of the male is by no means a serious 

 one, and when properl}'^ performed there is little danger from com- 

 plications. Although the danger is trifling, the complications which 

 may arise are sometimes of a serious nature. Hemorrhage, either 

 primary or secondary, tetanus (or lockjaw), abscesses, hernia (or 

 rupture) , gangrene, and peritonitis are the most serious complications 

 that follow castration. Whichever complication arises will require 

 its own special treatment, which we will not go into here, as it will 

 be fully dealt with under another heading. We would add, howeVer, 

 that, generally speaking, the animal, after being castrated, should 

 either be regularlv exercised or be allowed freedom so that it can 



