78 SPRINGTIME SURGERY 



The animal is prepared for the operation by 

 withholding feed and perhaps water for a period 

 of twenty-four hours, depending somewhat on 

 his condition ; this is not always advisable, as cir- 

 cumstances may make it inconvenient or im- 

 possible. For casting select a grassy spot away 

 from manure heaps and other insanitary con- 

 ditions usually met with around stables, and tie 

 up the tail securely. With a modified Conkey 

 throwing harness and a hood to protect the eyes 

 of the patient cast and tie him. I do this myself 

 with the aid of one man at the head and another 

 with one of the side-ropes. But it is preferable 

 to have an experienced assistant to do the hand- 

 ling of harness and ropes, and tie up feet with 

 damp cloths. Having previously scrubbed my 

 hand3 with a brush and thoroughly cleansed 

 nails with water and soap and rinsed well in a 

 1-3,000 bichloride solution, have an emasculator, 

 ecraseur, curved needles, sterilized silk, artery- 

 forceps, and convex bistoury, or regulation cas- 

 tration knife at hand in one per cent chinosol 

 solution in a clean pan. I have also a kettle of 

 boiled water, cooled to luke-warm temperature, a 



