276 DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND SCROTUM 



out so that it cannot squirm loose. Ether is administered 

 until complete anesthesia is established. The hair is clipped 

 off with a scissors, and the scrotum washed with soap and 

 water and boric acid (2 per cent.) solution. 



The testicles are grasped between the thumb and index 

 finger of the left hand, and with the other hand a scalpel is 

 used to make the scrotal incision. Two methods of removal 

 are used : 



The first method is to make the incision down to the 

 testicle exposing it, pulling it out of the scrotal sac, and 

 removing it with the emasculator or by ligation. Care should 

 be taken in this method to pull the testicle up far enough to 

 include the epididymis and tunica reflexa. The other testicle 

 may be removed in a similar manner. 



The second method is to perform the "covered" operation. 

 This is done in much the same manner as the other operation, 

 except that the incision is made down to the tunica vaginalis 

 which is not incised but drawn out with the testicle. The 

 cord, including the tunica vaginalis, is then ligated above 

 the epididymis, and the testicle and its enveloping tunic 

 removed. Hemorrhage and infection are not so liable to 

 follow this method. 



Castration of Birds.— Canonizing.— Castration is com- 

 monly practiced on male fowls. A castrated rooster is called 

 a capon. The best results are obtained by operating on the 

 early hatched birds as it gives them more time for develop- 

 ment. Two to three months is the best age to operate. When 

 the bird reaches the age of four or five months the mortality 

 is much higher and the male characteristics more pronounced. 



The fowl is restrained on an operating table, barrel, or box 

 with a cord looped around the wing and one around the legs, 

 to each of which a one or two pound weight is attached. The 

 bird is then laid on its right side; the weights serve to hold 

 it in position. Other mechanical devices made and used for 

 this purpose have proved satisfactory. The instruments for 

 this operation are made up in special sets known as caponizing 

 sets. A set consists of a scalpel for making the abdominal 

 incision, spreaders or retractors for keeping the abdominal 



