CASTRATION. 



127 



necessary, on account of the risk of subsequent adhesion or 

 stricture. Scarification of the penis may have to be resorted 

 to in cases of extreme congestion. This is a very simple 

 operation, and is done Hghtly in a longitudinal direction 

 around the penis with a fine scalpel or small lancet, the 

 wounds being afterwards covered with some antiseptic. 



Castration. — This operation is performed in order to keep 

 the animals from wandering ; also in certain diseased con- 

 ditions, such as orchitis and enlargement of the prostate 



Fiii. lis. 

 Showing metlioil of holding cat for ca.ytration. 



"land ; and in cats, in order to diminish the unpleasant 

 odour possessed by the urine. Although it should be done 

 under an anjesthetic, this is not always employed, as the 

 operation is verj' simple, and completed within a few seconds. 

 Before making the incisions the hair should be clipped or 

 shaved off and an antiseptic used, particularly in the varieties 

 of cats which have long hair ; neglect of these precautions 

 has been known to lead to septicemia and death. ^ The dorsal 



1 W. R. Clarke, " Veterinary Record," Voh VIII., p. 449. 



