Ovariotomy in the Cow and Mare by the Flank 273 



Ovariotomy in the Cow and Mare by the Flank 



Instruments. Clipping shears, convex scalpel, spraying 

 emasculator or ecraseur, heavy needle and thread. 



The animal may be secured as in the preceding or con- 

 fined in lateral recumbency with the hind legs extended 

 backward and the anterior limbs forward. To accomplish 

 this, loop a rope about the two fore feet, another about the 

 two hind feet, and, drawing upon these, cast the animal and 

 secure it in recumbency with the legs extended and body 

 stretched by fastening the ropes to two strong posts about 

 8 to 10 m. apart. The operation may be performed in either 

 flank. The recumbent animal should lie with the diseased 

 ovary uppermost. 



Clip the hair from the upper part of the flank and 

 shave the operative area, disinfect an area 15 to 25 

 cm. square, make an incision about 12 cm. long be- 

 ginning at a point equidistant from the anterior tu- 

 berosity of the ilium, the ends of the transverse processes 

 of the lumbar vertebrae and the last rib, and extend it 

 downward perpendicularly, severing the skin and subcu- 

 taneous muscle. If the attachments of the tumor are short, 

 it may be impossible to bring it out through an incision in 

 the upper flank. In such cases the laparotomy should be 

 performed in the middle or lower flank region. Divide the 

 external oblique muscle in the direction of its fibres by 

 means of the scalpel handle or the fingers, and repeat the 

 process upon the internal oblique, after which puncture the 

 peritoneum with the scalpel. By thus dividing the external 

 and internal oblique muscles, an X-shaped opening through 

 the abdominal walls results, which closes automatically and 

 obviates the need for peritoneal and muscular sutures. It 

 also conserves in the highest measure the integrity of the 

 muscular walls. 



Force one hand through the opening into the peritoneal 

 cavity and search for the ovary or tumor at the same point 

 and by the same method as in the preceding operation : that 

 is, locate the uterus within the pelvic cavity, between the 

 rectum and bladder, and trace it, the cornu, and broad liga- 



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