6-1 ANI.MAL CASTRATION 



moid, simple serous, and dentigeroiis varieties — solid luiuors (sarcocele), 

 ele. Ill operating upon ridgiings belonging to this class the same general 

 principles are emploj'ed as apply in eastratiiig intra abdominal ridgiings, 

 with the exception of the size of the perforation through the abdominal 

 wall and the methods of removing the testicle therefrom. Instead of making 

 a perforation sufficiently large to admit two lingers, it is usually necessary 

 to make one that will admit the whole hand. When cystic testicles arc 

 encountered it oftentimes becomes necessary to free them of their fluid 

 contents by the use of the trocar and eanula before they can be withdrawn 

 through the abdominal incision. In removing large, solid tumors which 

 are too voluminous to lie brought down the inguinal canal, tlie flank 

 method of ojicrating must be resorted to. The operative technic must be 

 modifled step by step as the circumstances and condition met require. 

 The operator must solve the problems as they arise. No fixed modus 

 operandi ajiplicable to such pathological conditions can be outlined. It 

 is up to the individual operator, and my advice is to "go to it" and do j'our 

 best. 



Aftcr-Carc and Trcafniciit — Place the animal in a sanitary, well-bedded 

 box stall immediateh- after the operation is completed. Halter the head 

 up in such a manner as to prevent him from lying down for twenty-four 

 hours. If severe pain (colicky) ensues t)ne ounce fluid extract Cannabis 

 Iiidiea may l)e given in a capsule at two-hour intervals. Allow plenty of 

 water, but no feed during the first twelve hours. At tlie exi)iration of twen- 

 ty-four hours remove the ]>acking from the scrotum, untie the animal, and 

 if possible turn him out to pasture. Turning out to pasture is advocated for 

 two reasons, viz. : first, for exercise, which is a very essential part of the 

 after-treatment; second, to get the patient away from the cTirt and manure 

 around the l)arnyard and stable, thus avoiding the greatest source of 

 wound contamination. 



iloderate daily exercise is essential even if it is necessary to force the 

 jiatient to tal';e it. A'iolent exercise is hai'mful, and is not called for at any 

 stage of the procedure. Usually as soon as the swelling appears and the 

 soreness develops — the very time they need exercise most — there is a 

 tendency on tli;' ])art of tlie patient to stand still in one place for hours 

 without moving. In this event, the animal must be led in a walk about a 

 mile morning and night until after the eighth or ninth day. If 'the lips 

 of the skin wound adhere in such a manner as to interfere with free 

 inguinal and scrotal drainage, the parts and the operator's fingers should 

 be thoroughly washed and the stTotum opened, after which the wound 

 should be irrigated with a dependalile antiseptic solution. 



Keep the bowels lax by bran mashes and green food. 



Sequelae — Septic infection (see page (i8). Tetanus (see page 68). AbsLiess 



