224 Animal Castration 



CHAPTER VIII. 



DEODORIZING THE SKUNK. 



While removing the scent from a skunk has not the remotest 

 relation — either directly or indirectly — with animal castration, 

 nevertheless, on account of its novelty and the dearth of reliable 

 literature with reference to the subject the author considers it of 

 sufficient interest and importance for brief mention in the conclud- 

 ing pages of this volume. 



Objects and Indications — It should be remembered that the 

 skunk has no effective means of protection or defense aside from 

 the scent fluid which it possesses and uses without stint when it 

 becomes necessary. Ordinarily, the fluid discharged by the skunk 

 is amply sufficient to ward off most airy character of attack and 

 protect the animal from danger. The scent fluid is only discharged 

 when the animal is alarmed or frightened, and contrary to the 

 prevailing popular opinion, is not urine, and has no connection 

 with the urinary apparatus. Skunks are deodorized for the pur- 

 pose of converting them into desirable household pets. Such ani- 

 mals never scratch and rarely ever bite. They are absolutely 

 .harmless. 



Age — They should be operated upon at an early age. (15 to 30 

 days old) , as the mortality rate following operation in the mature 

 skunk is very high. 



Season — Whenever } t ou can succeed in catching them. This is 

 one animal at least you must catch before you can operate. 



Preparation — If possible the young animals (kittens) should 

 be kept and fondled for several days before they are submitted 

 to operation. They should become accustomed to being handled. 

 By thus preparing them they may be handled through the prepara- 

 tory stages of the operation without voiding the scent fluid. 



Restraint — The operation must be done under a glass in order 

 to protect operator and assistants. A large pane of window glass 



