SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 301 



has been done properly. This is the most simple manner of torsion. 

 There are forceps and other instruments made to perform the opera- 

 tion in this manner. Instead of practicing torsion in any of its ways 

 to prevent hemorrhage, a ligature may be applied either directly to the 

 spermatic artery from which the hemorrhage comes, or to the entire 

 cord. Either a silk or a catgut ligature may be used. The actual 

 cautery is an old method, but we shall not describe it, as we consider 

 that we have better methods now. The next method with the clamps, 

 although extensively used upon the horse, is not practiced to any 

 great extent upon the bovine at the present time. It is a very old 

 method, and is considered very safe. Clamps are used in the covered 

 and uncovered operations. 



But more simple and better methods are now known for the castra- 

 tion of the bull. A more modern method is by the ecraseur. The chain 

 of the instrument is placed around the spermatic cord and tightened 

 so as to crush the tissues and thus prevent hemorrhage. The clamp 

 and ligature are the methods principally employed in the covered 

 operation, and in order thoroughly to understand this procedure it 

 will be necessary for the reader to have at least a crude anatomical 

 knowledge of the parts. The former, or the uncovered, is the usual 

 mode of operating, except in certain abnormal conditions. 



The operation of "mulling," or crushing, the spermatic cord is an 

 unscientific and barbarous procedure, causing unnecessary pain and 

 suffering. 



The above methods apply only to the animal in a normal condition. 

 Before operating always examine and be sure that everything is as it 

 should be. If otherwise, a special operative procedure will be neces- 

 sary. Whichever mode of operation be adopted from a practical stand- 

 point, the principal precautions to be taken in order to attain success 

 are as follows : First, thorough cleanliness under strict aseptic and 

 antiseptic precautions; second, a free and boldly made incision; third, 

 the avoidance of undue pulling or tension upon the spermatic cord; 

 fourth, free drainage, which can be maintained, provided the original 

 incision has been properly made. 



CASTRATION OF THE FEMALE. 



Ovariotomy (spaying). — The operation should be performed when 

 the cow is in her prime and giving her greatest flow of milk, care being 

 taken that she is in good health and moderate condition, not too ple- 

 thoric; or, on the other hand, she must not be at all anemic, and also 

 that she be not in heat or pregnant. This operation may be performed 

 in one of two ways — namely, by the flank or by the vagina — each opera- 

 tion having its special advantages. In the flank operation the animal 

 may be operated upon either while standing or while in the recumbent 

 position. If standing, she should be placed against a wall or a parti- 



