86 AN]MAL CASTRATION 



operate, it is sometimes necessary to jDerform this 

 operation even in localities where small animal sur- 

 gery is infrequently clone. The condition in these sub- 

 jects is closely analogous to that encountered in larger 

 animals. Ectopic testicles are sometimes found in dogs, 

 and in one case handled by the writer, the testicle in 

 a cat was so firmly adhered inside the inguinal canal 

 that only with great difficulty was it removed. 



Technic. — Preoperative preparation consists in the 

 administration of a laxative, and if the rectum is filled 

 with dry fecal matter, an enema is gi^en. The animal 

 is put under a general anesthetic and confined upon 

 the operating table in position for laparotomy. A lib- 

 eral area is shaved in the pre-pubic region of dogs and 

 in the flank of cats, and an incision made of sufficient 

 length to permit of visual examination of the peri- 

 toneal cavity. The hidden testicle is sought by trac- 

 ing its course from the uro-genital fold and when 

 located is removed by limited torsion of the cord, or 

 with an emasculator. 



The abdominal wound is then closed by means of a 

 continuous suture of No. chromic gut, including the 

 peritoneum and abdominal muscles. The skin and 

 fascia are united by means of another continuous suture 

 of silk, leaving a small opening at one end for drain- 

 age. With the exception of the drainage opening, the 

 wound is sealed with flexible collodion, and the surgi- 

 cal field is covered with absorbent cotton held in posi- 

 tion by means of a bandage. 



No after-care is necessary other than to administer 

 a suitable regimen and to take every precaution to pre- 

 vent constipation. The skin sutui'es should be removed 

 in fiv<' or six days and complete recovery generally en- 

 sues within ten days or two weeks. 



