CASTRATION OP THE COLT 35 



drawing tlie rope tight by an upward pnll with the right hand, the hoclvS 

 are flexed and all fonr feet brought down close to the abdomen. The rope 

 is now fixed by two half hitches around the right hind pastern. 



The lliles method affords a liglit, portable, strong, convenient, safe, 

 and in every respect an efficient and satisfactory means of casting and 

 securing the colt. The colt is held balanced in the dorsal position by an 

 assistant on each side, in which position the field of operation is accessil)le 

 and extremely convenient, and so long as the colt is balanced on his back 

 he is absolutely helpless. 



Insiruments — (1) Emasculator: same as for tlie stallion (Figs. 5, 6, 7, 

 and 8). (2) Knife: The knife recommended for colt castration is ''Far- 

 mer" Wiles' hooked knife (Fig. 25). 



Many hooked knives of improper design and inferior construction are 

 on the market ; on this account it is well for the reader to know the exact 

 essentials of a properl.y designed hooked knife. Tlie main essential is 

 that the cutting surface of the blade be at an agle of 45 degrees to the 



Fig. 2.5 — "Parmer" Miles' all-metal stiff handle hooked castrating knife. 



handle and that the cutting surface be sharp up to the handle. It is 

 necessary that the blade cut, not tear. With a blade thus constructed 

 good work can be done. The blades with a decided hook are never satis- 

 factory. Such knives drag or tear through the tissues instead of cutting. 

 Avoid them. To the beginner a hooked knife is awkward to handle ; how- 

 ever, after some practice he usually finds it to be an indespensable instru- 

 ment. 



Anatomy — Same as for the stallion. (See pages 17-19.) 

 Warning — Same as for the stallion. (See pages 25-26.) 

 Sterilization of Instruments and Cleansing Operator's Bands— 

 Same as for the stallion. (See page 20.) 



Operative Technic — With the colt cast and tied and balanced on his 

 back (dorsal position) by one or more assistants (Fig. 26), the scrotum, 

 hands of the operator, etc., disinfected, all is ready for the operation. 

 Proceed as follows: AVith the left liand (9) grasp the sheath (10) 

 and witli forward and upward traction stretch the scrotum, making it 

 taut. With the knife (15) in the right hand (16) begin the left incision 

 (11-12) well forward on the scrotum (10) and extending backward 



