CASTRATION OP THE STALLION 31 



may eliance to occur. Good judgment is never amiss at any stage of the 

 operation. 



Tlie autlior lias never been kielved or injured in any way while castrat- 

 ing stallions in the standing posture. He cannot say as much regarding his 

 experience in operating in the recumbent posture, for many is the kick 

 he has received while applying the hobble straps, and a few while releasing 

 the animal. 



(2) The dilBculty of securing the testicles has been urged against the 

 standing- operation. Such embarrassment is never encountered if the tes- 

 ticle has descended into the scrotum, and the mere fact of the testicle not 

 being in the scrotum is a contra-indication for operating in the standing- 

 posture. By all means and at all hazards cast this class of animals and 

 castrate them in the recumbent posture. 



(3) Prolapse of the bowel or mesentery from the scrotal incision on 

 account of previously' existing scrotal or inguinal hernia. A careful man- 

 ual examination of the scrotal region prior to operating will obviate such 

 embarrassment to the operator and danger to the patient. If you decide 

 to operate in the standing- posture make it a routine practice to examine 

 the scrotum prior to operation. 



(4) Impossibility of operating upon many wild and vicious animals. 

 We must admit that not all animals can be castrated in the standing pos- 

 ture, and foolish indeed would be the surgeon who would undertake such a 

 hazardous and impossible task. AAHien you encounter an intractable ani- 

 mal, have no hesitancy in casting and operating in the recumbent posture. 

 Do not attempt the dangerous, the impracticable or the impossible. Exer- 

 cise a little good judgment here as well as elsewhere in the daily affairs of 

 life. 



