144 



ANIMAL CASTRATION 



of the operation are not immediate. In fact, even apparent improvement 

 may not l)e noted nntil several M'eeks — possibly months — have elapsed. 

 The improvement is gi-adnal and oftentimes slow, even after it actually 

 begins. Spaying is always justified in mares of this class. 



Fig. 128 — Collu's scalpel. 



Age — Spay regardless of age when operation is indicated. 

 Season — Spring, winter and fall. 



Preparation — It is necessarj- for the intestinal tract — the rectum in par- 

 ticular — to be empty. This is usually accomplished by withholding feed for 



iiiininnis 



Fig. 129 — Williams' ratchet spaying ecraseur. 



thirtj' hours previous to operating. To make sure that the rectum is empty 

 it is well to administer an enema immediately before operating. Douche 

 the vagina and wash the anus, vulva, tail and surrounding parts with Lysol 

 or cresolis compound (U. S. P.), one taljlespoonful to each c^uart of water. 

 Bandage the upper one-third of the tail. Chloral or Cannabis Indica ad- 



Fig. 130 — Dunn's spaying ecraseur. 



ministered thirty or forty minutes before operating is helpful in most in- 

 stances. 



Position — Standing. 



Restraint — If a suital)]e operating stock is available it should be used. 

 In lieu of stodvs a narrow box stall and slings are the next best method of 



