52 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



Hernia. — In some rare instances where animals re- 

 sist confinement very violently, and where there exists 

 a very loose and larg-e inguinal ring, a loop of the 

 intestine may be pushed out through the inguinal 

 canal, and hernia or even eventration result. In these 

 cases, the condition demands prompt handling; the 

 protruding intestine should he supported by a sling 

 of canvas or other suitable fabric, the subject confined 

 in dorsal recumbency, and the heiiiia reduced. Re- 

 duction bj' taxis is possible with the .subject under 

 complete anesthesia. The cavity should be carefully 

 packed with cotton wrapped in sterile gauze and this 

 packing confined by strong sutures which join the edges 

 of the scrotal incision. If this can be accomplished 

 before damage is done the protruding viscera, there 

 is some hope of recovery, but the animal should be 

 kept quiet and in the standing position for several 

 days. The subject should be only moderately exercised 

 and not given freedom for two or three weeks. 



Swelling of the Scrotal Region and Scrotal Ab- 

 scess. — Swelling of the scrotum and sheath following 

 this operation is not uncommon and in. many instances 

 is not to be ascribed to faulty technic nor lack of 

 proper after-care. "When vitality is at low ebb in colts 

 that have been wintered badly and castrated in the 

 early spring, the circulation is enfeebled and they are 

 quite prone to exhibit this condition after the opera- 

 tion. In some instances the retention of large quan- 

 tities of smegma within the sheath causes the external 

 prepuce to become greatly swollen, this swelling later 

 extending in all directions and a marked edematous 

 condition of the lower abdominal walls may continue 

 for a week or two. In other cases, because of slight 

 swelling which follows the operation, coaptation of 



