88 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



vibs. After making this iutevcostal incision, a speculum 

 is introduced gently for the purpose of separating the 

 ribs, and with a good overhead light, the peritoneal 

 cavity is sufficiently illuminated to permit a good view 

 of the region of the testicles, which are light in color 

 and just anterior to the kidneys and very close to the 

 aorta. 



Removal of the testicles is effected by means of 

 adaptable snares or forceps, taking extreme care to in- 

 clude all testicular tissue within grasp of the instru- 

 ment, so that not even a microscopic portion of the 

 gland may be left attached. Sufficient secretion will 

 persist if any testicular tissue is left in the situ, that 

 the result is what is known as a "slip," or an imper- 

 fectly castrated bird. The operator should also be 

 very careful to avoid injuring the aorta as fatal hemor- 

 rhage invariably results. 



Some castrators remove both testicles from the same 

 side, removing the one lowermost, fii'st. However, the 

 average operator finds it more satisfactory to make an 

 incision on each side, removing one testicle at a time. 

 Suturing of the wound is unnecessary, as the skin which 

 has been displaced, when released, will cover the wound 

 between the ribs. 



After-Care. — No especial after-care is urgent other 

 than that comfortable quarters with low roosts be pro- 

 vided, and the birds should be observed fi'om 2-1 to 4S 

 hours afterward as their movements may I'csult in the 

 entrance of air into the incision in some cases, and 

 bloating occurs; the removal of air in these instances 

 necessitates the puncturing of the skin. 



