CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 39 



external part of the site of the inner abdominal ring or 

 the vas deferens located directly opposite may be 

 sought and the testicle and cord drawn into the in- 

 guinal canal. 



Preparation of the Subject. — Unless the cryptorchid 

 horse is mature and the alimentary tract well filled, 

 no preoperative dieting is necessary. However, as in 

 all other major operations, it is best to withhold food 

 for twenty-four hours when circumstances permit. 

 The matter of gaunting an animal for this operation 

 is one which merits considerable attention in that sub- 

 jects that are " I'ully made" and well "I'ibbed up" oi' 

 short coupled and carrying considerable fat arc not 

 likely to be rendered gaunt by even thirty-six hours' 

 fasting. Such subjects should be put on a light diet of 

 concentrates including a little bran, and in the course 

 of three or four days of such dietetic preparation, the 

 intestinal content will be materially lessened. 



Restraint. — There is no operation done by the vet- 

 erinary surgeon where restraint is a more important 

 feature. The cryptorchid should be cast and very se- 

 curely tied in a position causing him to keep the hocks 

 well flexed and abducted. This is done with the ordi- 

 nary casting harness by having the back strap set well 

 back and by winding the side lines over the gastroc- 

 nemii and about the feet in the form of a figure eight. 

 Where the side lines are crossed over the back of the 

 subject completing the tie of the left leg with the 

 right side line and the right leg with the left side line, 

 perfect flexion and abduction may be brought about. 

 If the animal is not securely restrained with the hoeks 

 well flexed and the thighs well abducted — unless he is 

 under profound anesthesia, any consideral:)le resistance 

 on his part will serve to cramp the hand of the oper- 



