CRYPTORCHIDECTOMY IN HORSES 79 



operation will usually avoid infection from the 

 procedure. 



When the testicle has been located and brought 

 into view it is removed either with an emascu- 

 lator or an ecraseur and the opening into the abdo- 

 minal cavity carefully examined to determine the 

 size of the peritoneal opening and make abso- 

 lutely sure that no bowel protrudes. If, by any 

 mischance, a larger opening has been made than 

 one feels safe in leaving, even when no intestines 

 have escaped, I prefer to pack carefully the en- 

 tire wound and stitch the packing in with a con- 

 tinuous suture. In ordinary cases, such packing 

 is not necessary. 



In releasing the animal, I prefer to have him 

 stand quietly for from six to twelve hours. If 

 he has been packed, instruct the owner how to 

 remove the gauze, and have him turned to grass, 

 or exercised sufficiently to overcome soreness. 

 Should swelling occur around the scrotal wound, 

 insist strenuously on exercise, first, last and 

 every time. If peritonitis develops after such an 

 operation as described, the animal is doomed to 

 die, in nearly all cases, in spite of treatment. 



