212 



ANIMAL CASTRATION 



III a pullet of proper age for operation the egg passage is no larger than 

 an average size broom straw. The egg cluster in such a pullet is small and 

 flat, and shows no evidence of egg formation. Beginners are urgently 

 advised to carefully examine these parts in the carcass of the mature hen, 

 also in a three-months-old pullet before undertaking the operation. 



Wai-iiiiig — In removing a section from the egg passage caution should be 

 exercised not to sever either the aorta or vena cava. Both are large and 

 important blood-vessels, and should either of them be severed, death from 

 internal hemorrhage is almost instantaneous. It is important to have extra 



Fig. 211 — Removing a section from the egg passage. I-J, Forceps; K, egg 

 passage; L, section of egg passage between forceps to be removed; M, egg 

 cluster. , i .} , . 



good light in order that the abdominal cavity be illuminated sufficiently to 

 locate the parts. Bright sunshine is the ideal light for this operation. Out- 

 of-doors is the place, and from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. is the best time. 



Operative Technic — With the left side uppermost the feathers are plucked 

 from the site of incision — last intercostal space. The skin is chilled by 

 allowing a gla.ss of cold water to slowly trickle over it. This chilling process 

 has a tendency to reduce capillaiy hemorrhage from the skin. With the 

 knife begin high up between the last two ribs and make an incision 1 to 11/2 

 inches long, .severing the skin and both layers of the intercostal muscles 

 down to the transparent peritoneum. Since the intercostal artery follows 



