110 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



ovaries without introducing the fingers into the peri- 

 toneal cavity. The other method consists in the intro- 

 duction of the index finger into the cavity, and by 

 tactile sense, seeking and removing the structures. It 

 is a matter of opinion with different operators as to 

 which method is preferable, so we shall describe the 

 latter one, just mentioned. 



The index finger is introduced into the peritoneal 

 cavity, and for the beginner it is well to at once locate 

 the bladder which lies directly in contact with the floor 

 of the abdomen in the prepu.bic region. In some cases 

 the bladder will be found to be greatly distended and 

 here it is well to apply a quantity of absorbent cotton 

 against the external genitals, lest manipulation cause 

 evacuation of some of its contents and add this possi- 

 bility of contamination to the exposed wound margins 

 and peritoneal cavity. After locating the bladder, the 

 operator will readily find the body of the uterus lying 

 just dorsally thereto; following out the uterine horn 

 from its Infurcation, it may be crowded against the 

 parietal peritoneum and brought to the surface and by 

 employing traction upon it, the ovary is then carefully 

 drawn out of the cavity for amputation. In some cases, 

 because of the close attachment of the ovary, it be- 

 comes necessary to arch the spinal column of the sub- 

 ject to enable the withdrawal of the ovary to the 

 wound surface to avoid undue traction upon the struc- 

 tures which might result in rupture of the broad liga- 

 ment and possible retention of some ovarian tissue or 

 unnecessary hemorrhage. 



As soon as the ovary has been brought to the sur- 

 face of the abdominal wound, it is seized by means of 

 suitable forceps and twisted in such manner that the 

 oviduct and suspending broad ligament are brought in 



