Animal Castration 39 



and is handed the main rope (W) by the assistant (after it is 

 fixed about the upper hind pastern). The rope is carried over 

 the loins and under the colt, thence to the lower hind pastern. 

 Now by rolling colt on his back (Fig. 24, third position) and mak- 

 ing downward pressure on the off hind foot with the left hand, at 

 the same time drawing the rope tight by upward pull with the 

 right hand, the hocks are flexed and all four feet brought down 

 close to the abdomen. 



The Miles' method affords us a light, portable, strong, con- 

 venient, safe, and in every respect an efficient and satisfactory 

 means of casting and securing the colt. The colt is held balanced 

 in the dorsal position by an assistant on each side, in which posi- 

 tion the field of operation is accessible and extremely convenient, 

 and so long as the colt is balanced on back he is absolutely helpless. 



Instruments — (1) Emasculator: same as stallion (see Figs. 5, 

 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13). (2) Knife: The knife recommended for colt 

 castration is "Farmer" Miles' hook knife (Fig. 25). Many hook 



Fig. 25 — "Farmer" Miles' All-Metal Stiff Handle Hook Castrating Knife. 



knives of improper design and inferior construction are on the 

 market ; on this account it is well for the reader to know the exact 

 essentials of a properly designed hook knife. The main essential 

 is that the cutting surface of the blade be at an angle of 45 degrees 

 to the handle and that the cutting surface be sharp up to the 

 handle. It is necessary that the blade cut, not tear. With a blade 

 thus constructed good work can be done. The blades with a de- 

 cided hook are never satisfactory. Such knives drag or tear 

 through the tissues instead of cut. Avoid them. To the beginner 

 a hook knife is awkward to handle; however, after some practice 

 he usually finds it to be an indispensable instrument. 



Anatomy — Same as stallion. (See pages 19-21.) 



Warning — Same as stallion. (See page 23.) 



Sterilization of Instruments and Cleansing Operator's Rands — 

 Same as stallion. (See page 24.) 



