32 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



timica vaginalis is removed, practically precluding the 

 occurrence ol; the undesirable condition known as 

 hydrocele or "water seed." 



After-Care 



Where the operation is executed with due regard 

 to cleanliness with sterile instruments and the hands 

 of the operator uncontaminated, local application ol 

 any medicament is unnecessary. It is, however, best 

 to squeeze out any blood that is retained about the 

 emasculated stumps of the spermatic cord. The ani- 

 mal should be provided with clean quarters, allowing 

 fi'eedom to exercise — preferably turned out to pastui-e 

 and kept away from stables and all bai'uyard soil. 

 Under average conditions no local attention is neces- 

 sary and the operation produces but little inconveni- 

 ence to the subject. 



Castration of the Normal Mature Stallion 



For various reasons, occasionally it becomes neces- 

 sary to castrate the horse after he has fully matured, 

 and in some instances the operation is done in the 

 aged sub.ject. The fa'ctors met with in handling such 

 cases that merit special consideration are, the problem 

 of practical restraint, the control of hemorrhage and 

 after-care. 



Season. — One should, if possible, avoid castrating 

 the matui'c stallion during fly-time and in very hot 

 weather. Exii'emes of temperature have no direct 

 efifect upon the outcome of the opei'atioji, but these 

 elements in themselves make for disi'omfort. An un- 

 necessary combination of factors which tend to lower 

 vitality should be avoided if possible. 



