76 Animal Castration 



Operative Technique — Cast and secure patient in Dorsal posi- 

 tion, after which cleanse parts and hands of the operator by care- 

 fully and thoroughly washing with antiseptic solution. Sever 

 protruding portion of omentum with the emasculator, after which 

 replace that portion which remains in the inguinal canal back 

 through the internal abdominal ring into the abdominal cavity. 

 If there is evidence of the internal abdominal ring being abnor- 

 mally enlarged it is safest, in fact advisable, to gather up the tunica 

 vaginalis and ligate it as near the internal abdominal ring as 

 possible with chromicized catgut (14 clay) large size. Proceed 

 same as for inguinal and scrotal hernia, pages 47-51. If thought 

 advisable there is no special objection to packing scrotum with 

 sterile gauze and suturing up. Eemove sutures and packing in 

 24 to 30 hours and irrigate the canal and scrotum once daily for 

 8 days with Lysol or Cresol Compound, U. S. P., in the strength 

 of 1 tablespoonful to each quart of water. Daily exercise at pas- 

 ture or to halter is advisable. 



Prolapse of Intestine — This is another rare though dangerous 

 and annoying sequelae of castration, one which is always fatal 

 unless treated promptly and properly. 



Operative Technique — Same as outlined above for treatment 

 of prolapse of omentum with the exception that if the loop of 

 intestine is distended by gas it should be allowed to escape by 

 use of small trocar and canula. If internal abdominal ring is con- 

 tracted or too small to permit return of intestinal loop then it be- 

 comes necessary to enlarge the ring (Kelotomy) by using probed 

 point bistoury. 



Injuries as Result of Casting — It is possible for the animal to 

 receive halter burns, lacerations and abrasions of different kinds. 

 Rupture of muscles and tendons sometimes occur. The vertebrae 

 and other bones may become fractured. Some horses present rad- 

 ical paralysis as a sequelae of casting, while others become ex- 

 hausted and never rise after being released. The correct treat- 

 ment of the above will be left to the judgment of the operator. 

 They are mentioned here more as a warning to him to exercise 

 care, good judgment, and discretion in manipulating his restraint 

 technique than for any other reason. "Safety first" should be the 

 watchword. 



