THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 487 



In the case of colts and old horses the structures are touo^h and the 



c 



cords strong, consequently clamps (grooved sticks) so twined together at 

 one end that when pressed together and tied firmly the cord will be held 

 so tight that circulation is entirely stopped are generally used. 



How to do it. — Cast the colt or horse and fasten him securely, havir^ 

 everjk'thing read}', a keen, round-pointed knife, clamps and cords. Seize 

 the scrotum making a clean cut through the integuments and well into the 

 testicle, and in a line so the cut shall be parallel to the median line, or 

 line dividing the scrotum. Clean the envelop of the testicle, leaving it as 

 near intact as possible, as the envelop must remain %\-ith the animal. Draw 

 the testicle out, put a clamp on the cord and seizing the other end of the 

 clamp with a pair of pincers press it strongly together, and tie securely 

 with a waxed thread. So proceed with the other side. The horse may 

 then be allowed to get up. In thirty-six to forty-eight hours, the sticks 

 are to be removed by cutting the strings. 



Another mode, and a most excellent one, especially in the case of colts, 

 is after freeing the testicle of its envelop and exposing the cord, to seize 

 the artery beyond where it is to be secured, with a pair of pincers made 

 for the purpose, cut the cord and twist the artery seven or eight times ; 

 let go, and with its retractive force it will retain the twist and prevent all 

 bleeding. Another way is to tie the artery and allow the ends of the 

 strings to hang out of the orifice. The plan by torsion, twisting by the 

 pincers, is the plan to be preferred. 



In castratins^, do not be afraid to make an extensive cut, and do not 

 leave the cord too long, else it may be strangulated, and fever and infla- 

 mation ensue. If this should unhappily occur, enlarge the opening and 

 push up the cord. If there is formation of matter, hasten it by foment- 

 ation with warm water. "When a free exudation of cream-like matter is 

 established, the animal will go on to recover}' as granulation progresses. 

 Wash the parts daily with tincture of aloes and m}Trh. If, however, 

 the work has been properly done, the animal will suffer little inconveni- 

 ence, and nothing more need be done. 



The best time for castrating colts and horses is from the middle of 

 May to the first of June, in the North, and in the South about the time 

 the young grass is a full bite. 



n. Bleeding. 



There are cases where bleeding must be resorted to to save life. Theee 

 are brain disorders and some forms of inflammatory disease. The jugu- 

 lar vein is the one to be bled from, and when the object is to deplete th« 

 system, six, seven, and even eight quarts should be taken. Always catck 

 the blood in a vessel, as it is neccessary to know how much we take. 



