152 



ANIMAL CASTRATION 



carry tlu' .spayiiig- speculuiu (Fig's. 1:>> and l.'W) into tlie vagina, and insert 

 its tip into the ecrvix (neelj of womb). 



2. Withdraw the hand, and with Colin "s sealpel reenter tlie vagina. 



3. With the left hand elevate the handle of the speenlnni and make snf- 

 tieient pressure downward and forward to stretch the roof of the vagina. 



4. With the blade guarded it is pressed against the roof of the vagina 

 directly over the cervix. 



5. Uuguard and tlirust the blade through the roof of the vagina. (Pig. 

 137). 



6. Eeguard the blade and withdraw the knife, at the same time with- 

 drawing the spaying speculum. 



7. With the right hand re-enter the vagina and enlarge the opening by 

 stretching with the fingers until the whole hand enters the abdominal cavity. 



8. Introduce the ecraseur and locate and sever the ovaries from their 

 attachment, by placing a loop of the chain above the ovary, and with the 

 left hand the ratcliet handle is manipulated back and forth until the broad 

 ligament is severed. Withdraw the ovary from the abdominal cavity and 

 uvop it in the vagina. The opposite ovary is then removed in like manner, 

 after which withdraw both ovaries and the ecraseur. The operation is now 

 completed. By reference to figures 137 and 138 a comprehensive idea of 

 the various steps of the operation may be obtained. 



After-Care — Keep the head haltered up for twent^'-four hours to pre- 

 vent the patient from lying down. The vaginal wound requires no treat- 

 ment. The mare is simply placed in a sanitary box stall, where she is 

 allowed to remain for ten to twelve da.vs, after which she should be put 

 back to hard, steady woi'k until the habit is forgotten. 



i^eqtidne — Colic and peritonitis. 



