274 DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND SCROTUM 



that enlarged prostates in the dog are materially reduced 

 by castration. The operation is alsp quite extensively 

 practiced in cases where the organs are normal, but to correct 

 vicious habits (onanism) or a disposition to wander away 

 from home. 



In chickens castration, or caponizing, is becoming quite 

 general in certain sections. It not only changes the disposi- 

 tion and habits of the birds, but makes them develop more 

 rapidly. They become much larger, and the texture of the 

 flesh much finer. Hence the operation is of considerable 

 economic importance. 



Castration of the Dog.— The operation can be performed 

 at almost any age, but is less dangerous before the dog reaches 

 maturity. Between the ages of three to ten months the 

 operation is safest as it causes less constitutional disturbance 

 during the early period of the animal's life. The disposition 

 of the animal is changed less, and there is not the tendency 

 to obesity when castration is performed at an early age. 

 However, when pathological conditions, onanism, etc., exist 

 the operation may be performed at any time. 



When the testicles are found in the scrotum, the operation 

 is as follows: The animal is anesthetized by using morphin 

 0.06-0.2 subcutaneously, or chloroform inhalation. Place 

 the patient in a dorsal position, with head lowered, and hind 

 limbs spread apart on the table. This exposes the testicles 

 and makes them easy of access. The scrotum should be 

 thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water, followed by 

 liberal use of antiseptics. The testicles are grasped between 

 the thumb and index finger of the left hand and gentle pres- 

 sure used to make the scrotum tense. With a scalpel or 

 castrating knife in the right hand, an incision is made parallel 

 to the long axis of the testicle, cutting through the tunica 

 propia. The testicle is grasped with the right hand which 

 exposes to view the epididymis and tunica reflexa. There 

 are several methods used to remove the testicles. The cord 

 may be ligated above the epididymis and tunica reflexa by 

 using a sterile, silk ligature (No. 10). This is a safe method, 

 as it removes the possibility of hemorrhage, provided the 

 ligature is securely applied. The other testicle is removed 



