438 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



is due to tlie continued and unrelieved distension of the 

 Graafian vesicles, which enlarge so slowly that the fibrous 

 coat of the ovary is still able to protect them from burst- 

 ing. This condition is denoted by constant oestrum, 

 which does not seem to be relieved by copulation. It can 

 only be treated by removal of the organs. 



Ateophy or THE Ovaries is associated with hermaphro- 

 ditic malformations of the generative apparatus, and with 

 malignant disease, either of the organs themselves or the 

 generative passages. It is not described as a distinct 

 disease. This condition can hardly be diagnosed. Only 

 one ovary may be in this state, then the animal will be 

 in a condition to breed. 



Ovariotomy — Removal of the Ovaries — Spaying — Cas- 

 tration OF Cows — is an operation of which the value, from 

 an economical point of view, has been much debated. The 

 following arguments have been advanced in its favour : 



1. The milk is produced continuously, and in increased 

 quantity, and of better quality after the operation. This 

 is not, however, by any means generally admitted. 



2. The animals are not subject to the periodical incon- 

 venience of oestrum. 



3. They are not so liable to disease, especially the 

 numerous and complex disorders of the generative 

 apparatus. 



4. They fatten more readily and attain a greater weight 

 than other cows. 



5. By spaying beasts of doubtful value for breeding 

 purposes the race will be gradually improved. 



Nevertheless the operation has not been generally 

 adopted, for some of the above-mentioned arguments 

 are of a doubtful character. The animals operated upon 

 are not so generally useful, tend too much, in some 

 cases, to the laying on of fat, and altogether are not so 

 profitable as the uncastrated females. 



Spaying sometimes requires to be performed as a 

 curative means. An incision is made in the flank in 

 the usual manner. The hand is introduced and feels for 

 the ovaries, which are drawn out through the wound and 



