SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 311 



tion is performed varies, but usually it is performed between the 

 second and third month. If done in early life, there is less danger of 

 complications, the organs not being fully developed and in a latent 

 condition. There are many different methods of operating, the prin- 

 cipal ones of which we shall mention. In the uncovered operation a 

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

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

 of doing this is that hemorrhage is likely 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 spermatic cord with 

 the left hand, having the cord 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. The hemorrhage will be 

 none, 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 perform the operation in this manner. Instead of practicing 

 torsion in any of its ways to prevent hemorrhage, a ligature may be 

 applied either directly to the spermatic artery from which the hemor- 

 rhage comes or to the entire cord. Either a silk or a catgut ligature 

 may be used. The actual cautery is an old method, but we shall not 

 describe it, as we consider that we have better methods now. The 

 next method with the clamps, although extensively used upon the 

 horse, is not practiced to any great 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 imcovered operations. 



But more simple and better methods are now known for the castra- 

 tion of the bull. A more modern method is by the ecraseur. The 

 chain of the instrument is placed around the spermatic cord and 

 tightened so as to crush the tissues, and thus prevent hemorrhage. 

 The clamp and ligature are the methods principally employed in the 

 covered operation, and in order thoroughly to understand this pro- 

 cedure it will be necessary for the reader to have at least a crude 

 anatomical knowledge of the parts. The former, or the uncovered, is 

 the usual mode of operating, except in certain abnormal conditions. 



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

 unscientific and barbarous procedure, causing unnecessary pain and 

 suffering. 



The above methods apply only to the animal in a normal condition. 

 Before operating always examine and be sure that everj'thing is as it 

 should be. If otherwise, a special operative procedure will be neces- 

 sary. Whichever mode of operation be 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 



