COMPLICATIONS IN CASTRATION 



45 



ideal time to operate in at the time of eastration. If the surgeon is aware 

 of the presenee of hernia and is prepared for the operation, the reduction 

 of the hernia by surgical interference is comparatively easy. However, 

 if the reverse be true — no knowledge of its existence and non-preparedness 

 — in the classical vernacular of the barnj^ard lie is up against the real 

 tiling, a situation most of us have been caught in to our chagrin and 

 sorrow. 



Ho long as hernia does not interfere with tlie health and usefulness of 

 a stallion in service it may not be advisable to operate. 



The ideal age to operate is eight to twelve months. Oftentimes scrotal 



Fig. 34 — Richter's needle-holder. 



hernias in "sucklings" disappear spontaneously before the animal is a 

 year old. 



llestniint — The animal sliould be cast and tied, and placed in the dorsal 

 position. For colts the ordinary "Farmer" Miles' method of casting 

 (Figs. 22, 23 and 24,) is ideal. For older animals more secure restraint 

 is necessary, such as is secured with the Knowles Casting Harness, 

 described and illustrated on page 51. 



Instrumeids—d) Emasculator, Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8. (2) ^Miles' hooked 

 knife. Fig. 25. (3) Curved probe pointed bistoury. (4) Medium size curved 

 needle. (5) Chromicized catgut (fourteen day) largest size. (6) Needle- 

 holder (Richter's), Fig. 34. (7) Smull trocar and canula. (8) Curved 

 scissors (six-inch), Fig. 35. (D) Hemostatic forceps. 



Preparation — Empty the intestinal tra-t by withholding food for 

 twenty-four to thirty hours. If constipated, oil in sufficient amount to 

 purge several days before operating. 



Sterilization of Instriinients and Cleansing of Operator's Bands— ^ec 

 pages 20, 21. - '^ 



Operative Tec/infc— Cleanse and disinfect the field of operation by 



