CASTRATION OP THE HORSE 43 



within the grasp of the finger, effecting the same 

 result. 



In the second class of cases there is found a broad 

 expanse of thin aponeurotic tissue in the region of the 

 inner ring. This expanse of tissue is as large as the 

 palm of the hand in most cases and in such subjects 

 it is well to seek some portion of the testicle, 

 epididymis or cord, recognizing the structures by the 

 sense of touch before perforating the peritoneum. This 

 is usually possible in this class of cases, and the oper- 

 ator l)y expanding the thumb, index and second finger 

 in the iVu'm of the base oT a tripod, in this region can 

 make provision for the testicle or epididymis l)eing 

 crowded against and within his grasp l)y intra-abdom- 

 inal pressure. Having secured in this manner the tes- 

 ticle or epididymis, the aponeurotic tissues are drawn 

 gently downward, and by careful traction the peii- 

 toneum is drawn into the canal for a varying distance 

 in different subjects. In some cases it is possible to 

 draw down this artificially formed processus vaginalis 

 half the way to the external abdominal ring. This 

 having been done, the peritoneum is usually ruptured 

 with the finger and the testicle is readily drawn out 

 and the operation performed with a minimum degree 

 of contamination of the peritoneal structures. Credit 

 is due Professor W. L. Williams for a good descrip- 

 tion of this technic. 



In the third class of cases, the operator finds in the 

 region of the abdominal ring that the epididymis has 

 descended into the inguinal canal and that the testicle 

 is confined within the peritoneal cavity. In such cases 

 the tail of tlic epididymis foi'niing an ol)tuse end is 

 readily I'ccognized. In all case.s there is sufficient con- 

 striction and organization of the inner alidominal ring 



