130 ANIMAL CASTRATION 



S. Kieliter's needle-holder. (Figure 34.) 



■i. Surgeon's needle (full curved) carrying 20 inches of No. 12 braided 

 silk for sutures. 



Anafomy — A comprehensive idea of the location and relation of the parts 

 concerned in this operation can be had by reference to Figure 107. 



Sterilization of Instruments anel Cleeinsing of Opereitor's Heinels — Boil 

 instruments for 15 to 20 minutes, and then immerse them in Lysol or Cresol 

 Compound (U. S. P.) one tablespoonful to one cpiart of warm water. Wash 

 the liands thoroughly with soap and warm water, using a scrub brush. 



Disinfection of Operative Field — Clip or shave the hair from the tield of 

 operation, and wash with soap and warm water until the parts are visibly 

 clean. Sponge with antiseptic solution and paint with tincture of iodin. 



Operative Technic — If the left testicle is undescended a point is selected 

 to the left of the median line of the abdomen and about midway between 

 the brim of the pelvis and the prepuce (Figure 108). 



The incision is made two and one-half inches long — through all laj'ers of 

 the abdominal wall. Through this incision the index finger of the right 

 hand is passed and a search made in the sul)lumbar region for the sper- 

 matic cord. This cord is usually located easily. Withdraw the cord 

 through the al)dominal incision and tlie testicle follows. Sever the cord 

 with the emasculator (Figure 109) and replace its stump in the abdomi- 

 nal cavity. Suture the abdominal incision with two or three through-and- 

 through interrupted sutures. (Figure 110). 



After-Care — The dog should be placed in sanitary close quarters for six 

 (U- seven days; during wliich ])ei-iod no exercise must be allowed and the 

 diet should be of a light, easily digestible character, and limited. Tlie two 

 end sutures may be removed on tlie third day and the middle one on the 

 Hflh dav. 



