CASTRATION OK THE BOAR 115 



and subcutaneous connective tissue down to tlie muscular coat of the 

 abdoniuial wall. This incision should be made al)out three to four inches 

 long and its center should be directly over the center of the internal abdom- 

 inal ring. 



Usually by this time the intestines have — by gravity— returned to the 

 abdominal cavity. The next step is to incise the tunica vaginalis near the 

 ring, exposing the cord. By traction on the cord the testicle can usually 

 be withdrawn from the scrotum, through the inguinal canal and out of 

 the incision. The testicle is now removed by severing its spermatic cord 

 with the emasculator, after which the stump of the severed cord is dropped 

 back into the abdominal cavity. Figs. 91 and 92 afford a comprehensive 

 idea of how the operation has been proceeded with up to this point. By 

 referring to Pigs. 93 and 94 you will observe how it is completed. Next 

 we close the inguinal ring by means of a purse-string suture applied in 

 such a manner as to bring the serous surfaces of the peritoneum in close 

 apposition. It is important that the suture be of absorbable material, 

 otherwise it may do damage in the wound. 



The skin incision is then easily and quickly closed by three interrupted 

 sutures. (P, Pig. 94.) 



Sometimes on account of the small size of the external abdominal ring 

 and inguinal canal it is impossible to withdraw the testic\' from the scro- 

 tum by traction on the cord. In such eases a scrotal incision is made for the 

 purpose of removing the testicle only. After which proceed to drop the 

 cord into the abdominal cavity and close the ring and skin incision in the 

 usual way. 



After-Care — Confine the animal in a small clean pen for ten days; dur- 

 ing this period limit the feed. Nature will take care of removing the 

 sutures. 



