50 



ANIMAL CAJSTRATION 



riiptnriiio' the internal and external ()bli(|ue abdominal nmseles with the 

 hand. Ridglings at any age above three years are aceeptable for operation. 



Season — Preferably spring and early fall. 



Preparation — The main object to be attained in preparing the patient 

 is to have an unirritated and empty alimentary (intestinal) tract at the 

 time of the operation. This is nsnall.y accomplished by withholding food 

 for thirty hours before castration. No purgative shonld be allowed 

 as an empty bowel irritated l)y pnrgative medication is a predisposing 

 canse of dangerous seqnelae snch as colic, peritonitis, volvnlns, etc. An 



Fig. 37 — Knowles' casting harness applied. 



empty alimentary tract is desirable on account of affording less intra- 

 abdominal pressure and lessening the possibility of bowel protrusion 

 through the inguinal canal. 



Eestraint — There are many kinds and styles of restraint harness and 

 ropes with which a ridgiing horse may be satisfactorily cast and tied. 

 The main point to be constantly borne in mind is that first of all the 

 restraint must be safe and secure. The animal must be tied in such a 

 manner that the latitude for movement is minimized as much as possible. 

 The position must also be considered. One of the simplest and most satis- 

 factory casting harness for the castration of ridglings is that of Knowles. 

 The Knowles harness has been used for several years by the author witli 

 satisfactory results. 



