4S ANIMAL CASTRATION 



side the lesticlo and inner vaginal tunic, and tlie tes- 

 ticle only is contained within its mesorchial covering — 

 the tunica vaginalis propria. This is most common in 

 foals at or soon after birth, and in the majority of 

 cases causes no particular inconvenience ; they are not 

 likely to become strangulated, and in most subjects, 

 spontaneous recovery is the result before the colt 

 readies the age of six months. As a general rule^ 

 operation for the relief of the condition in foals of a 

 few weeks of age is quite unnecessary, as complete re- 

 covery so generally follows in the course of sixty days. 

 It is well, however, to inform the client of the possi- 

 bility of hernia at the time of castration, even though 

 the colt is not altered until he -is a year old and re- 

 covery has apparently existed for a few months. 



Where it is thought necessary to operate to correct 

 the condition, the covered operation for castration is 

 indicated and should be performed as described in the 

 technic of this operation on page 28, 



Sequelae 



Accidents from Restraint, — In the handling of ani- 

 mals for castration, particularly where they are cast 

 and tied, even with the employment of great care and 

 skill, injuries such as serious fractures, contusions, 

 strains and bruises may sometimes occur through the 

 I'esisting struggles of the subject. Fracture of some 

 part of the vertebral column is a fatal accident that 

 is especially liable to occur where aged animals are cast, 

 or where the subject is over-rebellious against confine- 

 ment. Symptoms of this injury differ, depending upon 

 the site of the fracture. In the majority of instances, 

 such fractures occur in the dorsal region and a para- 

 plegia results. The animal remains prostrate, unable 



