118 OVARIOTOMY IN THE BITCH 



posterior limb and close the cutaneous wound by a continu- 

 ous suture. 



Dangers. Rupture of the uterine cornu alluded to above. 

 It is always to be remembered that the leaving of one ovary 

 in position even though the other gland with the two cor- 

 nua and uterus are removed^ induces intense estrum and 

 renders the animal if anything more disagreeable than be- 

 fore the operation. 



The ureter may rarely be mistaken for the cornu but is 

 smaller, is 'closely attached to the abdominal walls, and 

 does not have the broad ligament with its large deposit of 

 fat. The kidney is far larger than the ovary, more ex- 

 posed, and located more anteriorly. 



The iliac arteries are at times caught and ruptured by 

 the finger but the blunder is uncalled for except through 

 nervousness of the operator. 



Instances of puncturing the bladder in making the in- 

 cision have been reported. If the bitch has been led out 

 and caused to urinate prior to operating, the accident is 

 made practically impossible. 



33. OVARIOTOMY IN" THE BITCH BY THE 

 LINEA ALBA 



Instruments. Same as in the preceding. 



Technic. Confine in the dorsal position with the head 

 sharply declined. Shaveand disinfect an area on the median 

 line about 6 cm. square, extending forward from the pubhc 

 brim. Make an incision on the median line about 4 cm. 

 long beginning just in front of the public brim and extend- 

 ing forward, cutting entirely through the skin, the linea 

 alba and peritoneum. Insert an index finger and identify 

 the uterus or broad ligament by its location and form. 

 The finger usually comes in contact first with the urinary 

 bladder which may more or less obstruct the passage to the 



