CASTRATION— ORCHECTOMY 275 



in the same manner. The emasculator also gives excellent 

 results. The instrument should be allowed to remain in 

 position for a few moments after the cord is severed. Occa- 

 sionally hemorrhage will follow the emasculator, but is 

 usually not serious. If severe, the vessels should be ligated. 

 After the testicles are removed the wound in the scrotum 

 may be left open, or a retaining suture put in to prevent the 

 entrance of foreign material. The incisions in the scrotum 

 should be carried forward sufficiently to afford thorough 

 drainage. The scrotum should be kept clean for a few days, 

 and the wound washed with antiseptics. Union takes place 

 in a week or ten days. It is well to observe the animal, note 

 the temperature and pulse for a few days, and if the tem- 

 perature is found elevated, examine the scrotal wound for 

 retention of pus and secretions. 



Castration of the Monorchid and Cryptorchid Dog.— In 

 monorchids one testicle is removed the same as in ordinary 

 castration. The retained testicle in the abdominal cavity 

 must be removed by making an incision through the abdom- 

 inal walls about two to four inches anterior to the pubis, and 

 to one side of the penis (note the side of retention!). The 

 incision is made large enough to admit the index finger freely. 

 The cord is then searched for in the sublumbar region, and 

 when found, withdrawn through the opening, the testicle 

 following. The cord may be ligated or the operation per- 

 formed with the emasculator. The abdominal wound is 

 approximated with two or three interrupted sutures. An 

 antiseptic pack and bandage should be applied to protect the 

 wound and changed daily until healing takes place. The 

 bandage is applied so that it does not interfere with micturi- 

 tion. Cryptorchids are operated in the same manner; both 

 testicles may be removed through one opening, or two 

 abdominal incisions made if found necessary. The patient 

 should be properly prepared by dieting and administering a 

 laxative twenty-four hours before the operation. 



Castration of the Cat.— The same rules in regard to age, 

 etc., apply as in the dog. Castration of the cat is best per- 

 formed under complete anesthesia. The animal is placed 

 on the table in the dorsal position, well hoppled and stretched 



