CASTRATIOx\ OP DOGS AND CATS 8r, 



tiou of puppies there is no danger of serious hemor- 

 rhage, but in the adult operation where the emascu- 

 lator is not employed, it is urgent to exercise care in 

 the manner of division of the cord, to prevent hemor- 

 rhage. 



Cats are preferably castrated when they are about 

 six months of age, if in good health, and if the 

 operation is done at this period, there is no attendant 

 danger. In the adult or aged cat, hemorrhage is more 

 likely to occur, although not to the extent that it is in 

 the castration of dogs. Older cats sometimes suffer 

 considerable shock and should be given 1-500 grains 

 atropin sulphate twenty minutes before operating. 



After-Care. — For healthy, normal dogs, castrated in 

 the proper manner, no after-attention is necessary, as 

 the wound inflicted does not seem to occasion serious 

 inconvenience and infection of any seriousness seldom 

 ensues. 



When possible, cats should be given the freedom of 

 tlieir accustomed haunts and left unmolested, for when 

 confined in strange quarters they often become con- 

 stipated. Local infection resulting in intoxication is 

 likely to result fatally, if the subjects are not given 

 careful post-operative attention. Sometimes because 

 of local swelling, it is necessary to enlarge the scrotal 

 incisions two or three days after the operation has 

 lieen i^erformed. Treatment in these cases consists in 

 the removal of necrotic tissue with a curette, or simple! 

 irrigation with a mild antiseptic solution. To avoid 

 complications a laxative diet should be given. 



Cryptorchid Dogs and Cats 



Cryptorchidy is occasionally found in these subjects 

 and while the veterinarian is seldom called upon to 



