54 Animal Castration 



or emasculator — some time previously — there may be no distinct 

 scar present. 



2. Examine inguinal canal for stump of cord. If the previous 

 operation was performed at an early age the stump of cord may 

 be atrophied to such an extent that its presence in the canal cannot 

 be determined. 



If after questioning the owner or attendant and examining 

 the patient you are still in doubt as to which testicle is unde- 

 scended, the proper method of procedure would be to invade the 

 left, as four-fifths of all monorchids are leftsided. If you should 

 make a mistake and invade the wrong side, proceed at once to 

 turn the patient over and go in on the other side. The diagnostic 

 value of rectal exploration at any time is doubtful. But such 

 rectal examination immediately before operating is bad practice 

 and not justified. 



Age — Ordinarily the question of age is not one left to the choice 

 of the operator. He is forced to take them at any age he finds 

 them. It is not well to operate upon a ridgling until he is at least 

 two years old. The ideal age is three years, as at this time the 

 animal is larger and better developed, which, of course, means 

 that there is much more room in the inguinal canal and groin in 

 which to work. Besides, at three years old the abdominal wall is 

 thicker and stronger and there is less liability of rupturing the 

 internal and external oblique abdominal muscles with the operat- 

 ing hand. Ridglings at any age above three years are acceptable 

 for operation. 



Season — Preferably spring and early fall. 



Preparation — The main object to be attained in preparing the 

 patient is to have an unirritated and empty alimentary (intestinal) 

 tract at time of operation. This is usually accomplished by with- 

 holding food for thirty hours before castration. No physic should 

 be allowed, as an empty bowel irritated by purgative medication 

 is a predisposing cause of dangerous sequelae such as colic, peri- 

 tonitis, volvulus, etc. An empty alimentary tract is desirable on 

 account of affording greater intra-abdominal room and lessening 

 the possibility of bowel protrusion through the inguinal canal. 



Restraint — There are many kinds and stvles of restraint har- 



