140 



ANIMAL CASTRATION 



one abdominal incision, the lower one sliould be removed first, otherwise 

 the hemorrhage incident to removing the upper one would interfere with 

 tlie removal of the lower. There is no serious objection to operating from 

 both sides, in which event the upper testicle is removed first. 



With a scoop or forceps applied to the spermatic cord — care being taken 

 not to include the aorta or vena cava — the testicle is removed by twisting 

 the cord with several turns of the instrument. Be sure and remove the 

 entire testicle, for if any portion of it is left the fowl will crow, and be 

 what is known as a "slip." Slips are not capons and are undesirable. 



7. Remove the spreaders. This allows the ribs to come together and 

 close the abdominal wound. If a mistake has been made by severing either 



Pig. 126- 



-Removing testicle with Miles' forceps. .J, Spreaders applied; 

 K, forceps applied; L, abdominal incision. 



aorta or vena cava the fowl will die in a very few minutes from internal 

 hemorrhage. Should this occur the fowl may be used for food. 



On account of the almost complete immunity of the chicken from septic 

 infection, healing of the wound usually takes place by first intention, and 

 the fowl makes a quick and satisfactory recovery. 



After-Gare — Upon being released from the operating table the capons are 

 usually put in a closed yard where they can find shelter, food and water 

 and can be kept quiet. No roosts are provided, as the less flying and jump- 

 ing the}^ do the sooner the M'ound heals. The capons seem to be very little 



