288 DISEASES OF THE OVARIES 



the cavity. Be careful to keep the finger in constant contact 

 with the abdominal wall so that the cornu will not slip off. 

 When once outside of the cavity the ovary can be located 

 easily by following the course of the cornu. The ovary is 

 distinguished by its consistency. In most cases in the dog 

 it will be found imbedded in a capsule of fat. There are two 

 methods of removing the ovary, and the choice of them will 

 depend somewhat upon the condition of the gland. In young- 

 females, before the ovaries have fully matured, and in older 

 ones between the periods of estrum, it is safe to remove 

 them with an emasculator, unless considerable congestion is 

 present. Where there is danger of hemorrhage, the ligation 

 method is used. When this method is employed, sterile silk 

 or linen is best which should be put on securely so that it will 

 not slip off after removing the ovary. Ligation should be 

 made at two points, around the cornu posterior to the ovary, 

 and around the vessels and the broad ligament anterior to 

 the ovary, ('are must be taken that all of the ovarian tissue 

 is removed. Otherwise the females will again estruate, and 

 the success of the operation will be incomplete. When 

 removing the gland with the emasculator it must be pulled 

 up sufficiently so that it will include all of the ovarian tissue. 

 It is best to allow the instrument to remain in position a few 

 moments. The cornu is then returned to the cavity. The 

 other ovary is obtained by inserting the index finger of the 

 left hand and following along the right abdominal wall as 

 was done on the opposite side. 



The location of the ovaries is not difficult when the animal 

 is properly prepared. Small, fat patients, with a short abdom- 

 inal cavity, will present the greatest difficulties. The intro- 

 duction of a probe or catheter through the vagina may be 

 used by the beginner. 



The abdominal incision is cleansed thoroughly and approxi- 

 mated by using two or more interrupted sutures. Suturing 

 the abdominal walls may be done by using two rows of sutures 

 one row including the peritoneum, and the other the skin and 

 muscles, or may be closed by a single row including all of the 

 tissues. This method has proved satisfactory. The abdom- 

 inal walls should be accurately approximated as it facilitates 

 adhesions and healing. 



