VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE COW 111 



with the other hand, and when the ovary is reached, open 

 the iustrnment far enough to admit the ovarian attach- 

 ments between the jaws, push the ligament between the 

 jaws, close the forceps and sever the ovary. Or introduce 

 the ecraseur, draw the ovary through the loop of the chain 

 and holding it securely until the instrument is tightened, 

 crush it off. 



It is essential that plenty of the broad ligament and ovi- 

 duct be excised with the ovary to insure the entire removal 

 of the gland, because the accidental leaving of the smallest 

 particle of ovarian tissue may cause a development of this 

 into abnormally large cystic ovisacs, and will tend to in- 

 crease, instead of decrease nymphomania. Should the ani- 

 mal be pregnant, the ovary on the gravid side is dragged 

 downward and forward out of reach of the operator's fin- 

 gers, and if it is desired to complete the operation, it may be 

 necessary to enlarge the vaginal wound and introduce the 

 entire hand, when the ovary can be reached and removed. 

 Generally no after care is necessary. 



The Dangers are similar to those of the mare. The iliac arter- 

 ies may be wounded in the same manner as in the mare. The 

 accident is preventable by being careful to push the vaginal 

 roof well downward away from the rectum and sacrum. In 

 rare instances fatal hemorrhage occurs from the severed 

 ovarian arteries, especially in badly disedsed ovaries accom- 

 panied by a want of tone. For this reason it is safer in 

 cows sterile from diseased ovaries to use the ecraseur but 

 even this instrument is not wholly proof against fatal hem- 

 orrhage, consequently some veterinarians have advised liga- 

 tion of the arteries. This is e.specially necessary in highly 

 vascular diseased ovaries. The gland is then to be cau- 

 tiously drawn into the vagina and a silk ligature in the 

 form of a running noose with two long ends, applied. Af- 

 ter the noose has been tightened, a second tie may be beguu 

 outside the vulva and the knot tied by following one of the 



