264 Diseases of the Ge7iiial Organs 



bladder and rectum intervene. These organs, pressed out 

 flat, occupy a minimum amount of space. In the quiescent 

 state the vaginal walls are in contact. From the perineum 

 forward to within about 10 cm. of the uterine os, the vulva 

 and vagina are connected above with the rectum by the pel- 

 vic connective tissue. Anterior to this point, the vagina is 

 covered by peritoneum. It is in this area that the incision 

 needs to be made in the operation. The ballooning of the 

 vagina profoundly alters the relation of this operative area, 

 changing it from the horizontal in the quiescent organ to 

 the perpendicular in the ballooned condition. These varia- 

 tions permit of two methods of operating: (1) On the bal- 

 looned organ without anaesthesia and with animal confined 



Fig. 75 — Special spaying ecraseur, 55 cm. long'. 



in the standing position. (2) On the quiescent organ in the 

 recumbent position under anaesthesia : 



1. Without anaesthesia. Secure in the stocks with the 

 head elevated, a rope over the back to prevent rearing, 

 straps beneath the body to prevent lying down, straps or 

 ropes before and behind the animal to prevent backward 

 and forward movements, all four feet pinioned to the floor, 

 and the tail firmly secured and stretched to a beam above. 

 Apply a bandage to the tail extending 12 to 15 inches from 

 its base, in order to secure the tail hairs out of the way of 

 the operator. 



With soap, water, and brush cleanse the tail, perineum 

 and vulva thoroughly, being especially careful to remove all 

 detachable masses of sebum; 50 per cent, alcohol or gaso- 

 line may be used sparingly to aid in removing this. Too 

 free a use of alcohol excoriates the delicate skin. Cleanse 

 the clitoris carefully. Follow the washing with a free sp- 



