CASTRATION OP THE HORSE 51 



noticeable for s(^\-i'i-al liours after the operation has 

 lieeii pt-rfoi'iiied, hut if within twelve to twenty-foiu' 

 hours after a colt has been castrated, a steady loss of 

 blood from the spermatic vessel is evidenced, the case 

 should receive prompl and drastic attention, as these 

 hemon'hages may continue for a few houi's, yet they 

 have been known to persist for days, rendering the 

 animal anemic and weak, and causing- death in some 

 instances. If much l)lood has been lost, the animal 

 should be cast and the stump of the cord securely 

 ligatured as de:scril:ed for primarn liciiiorrlianr. 



Shock. — Tn some cases the attendant fear and un- 

 natural interference of a surgical operation bring 

 about a distraught condition of the nervous system, 

 known as surgical shock, this state being characterized 

 by manifestations of pain, muscular tremors, labored 

 breathing, more or less sweating and acceleration of 

 the pulse, which in. the later stage becomes somewhat 

 feeble. Animals so affected exhibit these symptoms to 

 a greater or less degree, and the result may be either 

 a slight or serious disturbance of bodily functions 

 causing discomfort or it may result in death according 

 to the organism of the subject. 



Colic. — This disturbance is sometimes manifested af- 

 ter the castration operation. It is more likely to affect 

 animals of a nervous temperament, and is the conse- 

 quence of the excitement and resistance incident to 

 being restrained. The symptoms and treatment of 

 such cases do not diffi'r from those of colic pi'oduced 

 by other causes. It is well to take the antieipative 

 measure of withholding food for at least twelve hours 

 before operating on these highly strung, nervous ani- 

 mals, as colic may be attended by fermentation and 

 serious trouble follow. 



