122 ANIMAL CASTEATION 



the horn with the fingei'S and exerting traction upon it, 

 the ovary is readily withdrawn and amputated as has 

 been described for the same operation in female dogs. 

 By retaining the amputated end of the uterine horn and 

 employing traction upon same, the bifurcation of the 

 uterus is brought to view by means of forceps and the 

 remaining horn is removed in like manner. The 

 abdominal wound is sutured by means of a continu- 

 ous suture including the peritoneum and abdominal 

 muscles. For this purpose No. 00 sterile gut suture 

 material is to be preferred, and the skin and fascia 

 are united liy means of another suture of sterile chromic 

 gut, leaving the small opening at the lower commissure 

 for drainage of the wound. The wound is then sealed 

 with flexible collodion with the exception of the small 

 drainage opening which in itself should not exceed 

 one-quarter inch in length. The entire abdominal 

 wa\l, including the surgical ai'ea is then covered with a 

 layer of stei'ile absorbent cottoir to be held in place by 

 means of a sterile gauze bandage which is snugly 

 wound around the subject's body. 



After-Care. — The bandage should be removed daily 

 for observation of the wound, and should signs of in- 

 fection be apparent, the wound secretion may be 

 forced out by gentle manipulation, taking care not to 

 interfere with the primary union of the structures 

 surgically apposed. If no infection occurs and the 

 wound remains almost dry, there is no occasion for 

 the application of antiseptics or the further molesta- 

 tion of the wound. 



It is not uncommon for cats to refuse all food for 

 two or three days or even a week following a major 

 operation, but this in itself does not necessarily con- 

 stitute an imfavorable symptom. The patients should 



