MARE SPAYING 145 



re'straiut for the spaying operation. When a narrow stall and sling are 

 n^ed it becomes necessary to confine the hind feet in such a way that the 

 operator is not subjected to the danger of kicks. The simplest method 

 which will answer the purpose is illustrated in Figure 127. It consists of 

 the nose twitch applied and held by an assistant; also an eighteen-foot 

 three-quarter inch cotton rope and one hobble strap. Looj) the end of the 

 rope around the off hind pastern, pass it through the D-loop or ring of the 

 near hind, then upward and forward between the fore legs, over the with- 

 ers and under the main rope behind the elbow. Another method is the 

 hippo lasso. (Figs. 135 and 136.) 



While the last two methods described are simple and will answer the 

 purpose, there is at least one quite serious objection to them, viz: The ani- 

 mal may in her struggles cast herself, or she may voluntarily lie down, 

 which greatly interferes with the progress of the operation. Whenever 

 possible it is alwa.ys advisable to fortify yourself against the animal lying 

 down by placing her in a sling. Restraint as illustrated in Fig. 127, sup- 

 plemented by a sling, is very satisfactory. 



Instruments — 1. Colin 's scalpel (Fig. 128) is decidedly the most satis- 

 factory knife for vaginal spaying. This knife has a heavy blade with wide 

 belly guarded by an easily manipulated sliding shield. A knife thus con- 

 structed can be safely handled inside the vaginal canal. 



2. Williams' ratchet spaying ecraseur (Fig. 129) is so constructed 

 that it takes up very little space in the vaginal canal, and is sufficiently 

 long to reach the ovaries of the largest mare or cow. The ratchet handle 

 enables the operator to manipulate the instrument with one hand while 

 the other hand remains in the cavity. If an extra assistant is available to 

 handle the instrument on the outside, Dunn's spaying ecraseiu- (Fig 130) 

 is an excellent instrument. 



3. Vaginal spaying speculum. There are two satisfactory spaying spec- 

 ulums now on the market. A. Williams' speculum (Fig. 133); B. Pase- 

 ley's speculum (Fig. 134). 



Anatomy — In order to spay mares satisfactorily it is essential that the 

 operator have a genera! idea of the anatomy of the vulva, vagina, uterus 

 and ovaries. Lack of space here forbids going into minute detail. How- 

 ever, the more important points will have attention. 



Vulva — Tlie vulva is the external opening of the genital and urinary 

 tracts. It is an ovoid slit situated in the perineal region below the anus, 

 and consists of two lips and two commissures. The space between the 

 vulva below and the, an us above is the perineum. In a depression on its 

 floor (fossa navicularis) lies the clitoris. In virgin mares the hymen sepa- 

 rates the vulva from the vagina. Inside, on the floor of the vulva, opens 

 the meatus urinarius, which is the outlet from the bladder. The mucous 



