56 ANIjNIAL castration 



cavity and such cases are, of course, inoperable, since 

 it is not ordinarily reasonable to attempt to amputate 

 the cord at a point higher than the inner abdominal 

 ring. 



Hemorrhage is controlled during the operation by 

 means of forceps if any very large vessels are encoun- 

 tered. In this operation, however, there is generally 

 much oozing of blood and the dissection is usually done 

 rapidly, consuming as little time as possible. The cav- 

 ity is snugly packed with sterile gauze to be held in 

 position by suturing, and this will control the possi- 

 l)ility of hemoT'i'hage during the twenty-four hours it 

 is to be left in the cavity. 



After-Care. — After attention consists in allowing 

 moderate exei'cisc and applying locally if conditions 

 I'etiuire, a dry dressing powder by means of an insuL'- 

 fiator. In botryoniycotic infections, potassium iodid 

 is of value. 



Hydrocele. — Hydrocele, commonly known as "water 

 seed," is an affection frequently found in males where 

 ^, portion of the tunica vaginalis becomes involved in 

 such a manner that a cyst-like enlargement results. 

 It is more ol'icn seen in mules. The operator should 

 remember that this condition is generally the sequel 

 of an imperfectly performed castration where the tu- 

 nica vaginalis has not been fi'eely opened, or where 

 the lowermost poi'tion of the tunic was not amputated 

 at the same time the cord was divided. 



Symptoms. — Symptoms of hydrocele are the exist- 

 ence of a fluctuating enlargement occupying the posi- 

 tion of the teslielr, — this to be distinguished from her- 

 nia in llinl it is irrcdiieilile and somewhat more dense, 

 — and also thci'e is a marked constriction and presence 

 of dense tissues at the point of attachment at the 



