I30 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERV. 



Castration of Cryptorchids. — Cryptorchids are not uncom- 

 monly met with in dogs and cats, particularly cases in which 

 one testicle is hidden. On account of the small size of the 

 inguinal canal, unless the hidden organs happen to be close at 

 hand, the best method of reaching them is to perform laparo- 

 tomy and remove them through the abdominal wound. 



The necessity for operating upon two sucli cases has occurred 

 during the present year, in each instance both testicles being 

 situated in the abdomen.^ Under a general anaesthetic the incision 

 is made either in the flank, at the side of the penis, or in the 

 median line about half an inch in front of the prepuce, under the 

 usual aseptic precautions. The operator inserts his middle finger 

 and searches in the lumbar and pelvic regions for the missing 

 testicles, withdrawing each one in turn, and excising it after 

 the application of a ligature. The abdominal wound is then 

 treated as already described [see laparotomy). 



1 "Veterinary Eecord," Vol. XII., p. 298. 



