SECTION 11 



VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY OF THE COW 



The general reason for castrating cows is for the 

 purpose of removing one or both ovaries when diseased. 

 Jn certain cases of degenerative involvement of one or 

 both of the ovaries resulting in the animals being 

 "Bullers, " cows are spayed with the object of fatten- 

 ing them for market. In some cases where one ovary 

 becomes hypertrophic and considerably indurated as a 

 result of cyst formation, and nymphomania develops in 

 an otherwise good milk cow, it is advisable to remove 

 the diseased gland. Some authorities claim that spay- 

 ing, if done at the proper time, prolongs the period of 

 lactation for several years. 



This method of spaying is employed in animals suffi- 

 ciently large to easily permit the introduction of the 

 hand into the vaginal canal, and is preferable to making 

 the flank incisions because there are no exposed wounds 

 resulting. This technic may be employed with safety 

 during fly-time without any especial after-attention. 



Preparation of the Subject. — Food should be with- 

 held for 24 hours and a purgative dose of magnesium 

 sulphate given 12 to 18 hours before operating. 



Restraint and Anesthesia. — Animals are preferably 

 confined in the standing position within a stanchion or 

 narrow stall, it being unnecessary ordinarily to resort 

 to the use of ropes or other appliances to further hold 

 the animal if the head is closely and securely fastened. 



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