188 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



best be postponed. The operation should not be performed at the 

 time other surgical operations are executed. 



Scirrhus cord results if the spermatic cord is left too long at the 

 time of castration. This is a condition in which infection occurs 

 and the stump of the cord becomes inflamed, hardened, and dis- 

 charges pus more or less continuously. It is generally very trouble- 

 some, for adhesions take place and interfere with the normal move- 

 ment of the limbs. The only permanent relief is complete removal 

 of the diseased tissues. 



Ridglings, or cryptorchids, are male animals in which one or both 

 of the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. They exhibit 

 all the traits of entire males but are not satisfactory sires. For 

 these reasons they should be castrated. The operation is more 

 dangerous than ordinary castration, as it usually requires an arti- 

 ficial opening into the abdominal cavity. This exposes the 

 peritoneum to infection and may result in peritonitis. If this dis- 

 ease does develop, rapid death is likely to follow. Every pre- 

 caution must, therefore, be taken to maintain surgical cleanliness 

 when operating upon a ridgling. 



SPAYING 



Spaying is performed to remove the ovaries (ovariotomy). 

 It is attended with the same danger that accompanies ridgling 

 castration. Mares are spayed to alleviate vices caused by dis- 

 eases of the ovaries. The animal should be carefully prepared for 

 the operation by having been kept on a scant diet for at least 

 twenty-four hours beforehand. There are many dangers incident 

 to ovariotomy, so none but a skilled veterinary operator should 

 attempt it. It may be said that an incision is made in the wall of 

 the vagina through which the ovaries are removed. 



CATHETERIZATION 



The catheter is a tube-like instrument used to remove the urine 

 from the bladder. Catheterization is the operation of passing the 

 catheter. Resort is had to this method of relief when the animal 

 is unable to urinate. In the stallion, or gelding, catheterization is 

 more difficult than in the mare, whose urethra is shorter and of 

 greater diameter. Some trouble may be experienced when the 

 point of the catheter arrives at the bend of the male urethra as it 

 curves over the ischial arch. By working with the forefinger and 



