DEODORIZING THE SKUNK 217 



thorougli control of the skmik. Of c-ourse, the amount of fluid is quite 

 limited, but it is usuallj- suttieieut. TIk.' character of the fluid is dirty brown 

 and fetid, and is slightl.y phosphorescent at night. 



SterUizatioii of Instruinents and Cleansing Operator's Hands— The in- 

 struments should be sterilized by boiling fifteen to twenty minutes, and 

 then immersing them in Lysol or Cresolis compound (U. S. P.), one table- 

 spoonful to each quart of water. AVash the hands with tincture of green 

 soap, using a scrub brush, and rinse them with the antiseptic solution. 



Anestheski — The skunk yields readily to ether as a general anesthetic, 

 and it is always advisable to administer such an anesthetic liefore operating. 



Preparation of Operative Field— Don't forget that the skunk is now sup- 

 posed to be under the glass. Clip the hair from around the anus for a 

 distance — in each direction — of at least one inch. Wasli the parts with 

 antiseptic solution and paint the skin over the site of tlie incisions with 

 tincture of iodin. 



Warning — In making incisions and dissecting out anal glands, exercise 

 extreme care in order to avoid injury to either rectal or anal walls, or to 

 the genito-urinar}' passages. 



Operative Tcchnic — Locate the glands — on each side of the anus by pal- 

 patation. A perpendicular incision one inch long is made directly over the 

 center of the most prominent part of each gland, about one-half inch from 

 the anus. (Fig. 214.) Tliese incisions should penetrate the skin and sub- 

 cutaneous connective tissue only. With rat-tooth hemostatic forceps or small 

 size vulsellum forceps the glandular organ is grasped, and with limited 

 traction ajDplied by the forceps the parts are isolated by careful dissection, 

 after which the duct is severed close to the rectal wall and the operation 

 is completed. The incision should be left open to heal by granulation. 



After-Care — Aboiit all that is necessary is to place the animal in warm 

 sanitary quarters. The wounds will heal and complete recovery take place 

 by the tenth day. 



