OOPHORECTOMY— OVARIECTOMY 287 



tion and narcotization have been employed with equally 

 good results. Morphin given as a subcutaneous injection 

 about twenty to thirty minutes previous to the operation 

 has been used with most excellent results. The value in this 

 method of narcotization lies in the fact that it will cause 

 vomiting in most cases, defecation in some, removing mate- 

 rial from the stomach and bowels. Further, it will keep the 

 animal quiet for several hours following the operation. It 

 may be considered a perfectly safe narcotic, which to dogs 

 can be administered in large doses. The amount to be 

 administered will depend to a great extent upon the size of 

 the animal. Usually from 0.016-0.2 are to be given. 



Chloroform and ether may be used as a general anesthetic ; 

 both are safe when administered properly. After anesthe- 

 tization the animal should be placed in a dorsal position, well 

 hoppled and the table tilted to lower the head as much as 

 possible. This assists the operator, as the bowels will descend 

 toward the diaphragm which lessens the tendency for them 

 to protrude through the incision. The incision may be made 

 either at the median line or in the flank region. There are 

 good reasons for choosing the median incision. There is less 

 hemorrhage at this location, it is much easier to locate the 

 cornua and the removal of both ovaries through one opening 

 can be done with less difficulty. The exact location for the 

 incision in the median line is at a point about one to one and 

 a half inches posterior to the umbilicus. The incision should 

 be made of sufficient length to allow the index finger to be 

 inserted, or it may be enlarged so that light can be thrown 

 into the abdominal cavity. The incision is made through 

 the skin, separating the muscles down to the peritoneum. 

 In making the incision through the peritoneum it is best to 

 pick up a small portion of it with a forceps, nick with the 

 scissors and enlarge with a probe-pointed knife. By this 

 procedure injury to the bladder or other abdominal organs 

 is avoided. The index finger of the right hand is then inserted 

 through the opening; follow the left abdominal wall pushing 

 the bowels back until the finger reaches the bottom of the 

 cavity. At this point the finger will come in contact with the 

 left cornu, which is hooked over the finger and drawn out of 



