14 Animal Castration 



CHAPTER I. 



Castration of the Stallion. 



Objects and Indications — While the operation is most often 

 practiced as an economic procedure in order to increase the ani- 

 mal's monetary value and usefulness to mankind, it is nevertheless 

 valuable as a corrector of many acquired vices, such as masturba- 

 tion, viciousness, etc. It is also indicated in impotency, some dis- 

 eases of penis, scrotum, spermatic cord, and testicle. Its effect is 

 both mental and physical. 



The operation has a decided tendency to render the animal quiet 

 and docile and to alter the conformation in some material respects 

 such as lessening development of the shoulders, chest, neck and 

 withers. While on the other hand the development of the hind 

 quarters is stimulated. 



Castrated stallions are known as geldings. 



Age — Stallions may be safety castrated at any age provided 

 they are in good physical condition. 



Season — Spring and early fall. 



Preparation — The intestinal tract should be practically empty 

 at time of castration. This is attained by withholding food for 

 24 to 30 hours before operating. By heeding the above admonition 

 the danger of rupturing internal viscera during the operation 

 and colic afterwards will be obviated. 



CASTRATING IN THE RECUMBENT POSTURE. 



Restraint — When it has been decided to cast the animal, we 

 should, first of all, carefully survej^ the surroundings and select 

 the most satisfactory location. Of course circumstances and exist- 

 ing conditions play an important role in making our selection. 

 When the weather will permit the operation being performed out 

 of doors, there is no place better adapted than an open field or 

 lawn. It is here that we have ample room to manipulate our re- 

 straint technique without interruption. When we have selected 



