OOPHORECTOMY—OVARIECTOMY 285 



Diagnosis. —The diagnosis is difficult in most cases. Unless 

 the cysts are of large size, and the nervous symptoms marked, 

 the condition is usually not suspected. Laparotomy should 

 be performed and the ovaries inspected to make the diagnosis 

 positive. The cysts appear as enlargements projecting from 

 the ovary. Their consistency is fluctuating; their contents 

 transparent. 



Prognosis.— The prognosis is unfavorable so far as relieving 

 the condition and preserving the ovary are concerned. The 

 symptoms can be relieved by removal of the glands. 



Treatment.— The treatment is surgical and consists of the 

 removal of the diseased gland. (See Ovariectomy.) 



Other tumor formations in the ovaries are uncommon. 

 Dermoid cysts have been found in a few instances. Adenoma 

 and adenocarcinoma occur as secondary growths. When 

 found the entire gland or glands should be extirpated. 



OOPHORECTOMY. OVARIECTOMY. 



Oophorectomy is extensively practiced to correct certain 

 pathological conditions which are found in the ovaries to 

 suppress the sexual desire and prevent the female from becom- 

 ing pregnant, and to make more desirable house dogs and 

 pets as they are more contented and peaceful. Cats, when 

 operated during the first few months of their life, become 

 much larger, and are much more desirable animals to have 

 about the house. 



All female animals should be operated if possible before 

 the advent of the first estrual period, as it has been proved by 

 experience that some females will continue to show sexual 

 desire following complete removal of the glands. Such cases 

 are observed in older females, especially those that have given 

 birth to young, and these that have estruated normally for 

 some time. However, we must take into consideration that 

 in a number of cases where estimation follows removal of the 

 glands, is due to the fact that a small portion of the ovarian 

 tissue has been left in, which develops and frequently becomes 

 cystic. 



The effect of this operation on females is worthy of note. 



