CASTRATION AND SPAYING 249 



or by the surgeon himself. As long as there is no elevation 

 of the temperature, there is no occasion to molest the 

 scrotum with any local treatment or manipulation. (Edema 

 in the absence of fever is not a sufficient reason to open up 

 the incision with the fingers, and such a procedure is al- 

 ways certain to transform a harmless serous exudation in- 

 to a much more serious purulent discharge by making a 

 portal of entrance for microbes. The appearance of fever, 

 however, must be met by prompt evacuation of the con- 

 tents of the scrotum, followed by irrigations of the inguinal 

 canals with antiseptic solutions, and the maintenance of 

 proper drainage thereafter. 



SEQUELS AND ACCIDENTS.— Septic Peritonitis.— 

 Septic peritonitis is the most formidable sequel of castra- 

 tion ; it is the usual cause of death when the operation re- 

 sults fatally. It is caused by filthy surgical methods or by 

 improper after-care. The septic emasculator or ecraseur, 

 handling of the spermatic cord with the hands and digital 

 explorations of the incisions during convalescence are the 

 most common causes of the disease. When no infectious 

 matter is deposited in the scrotum, in the canal or upon the 

 cord during the operation, and no unnecessary fingering of 

 the incision is done afterwards, there will be indeed few 

 cases of serious infection from castration. Contamination 

 of the scrotum from the litter or ground of the pasture, 

 especially if blood clots were allowed to remain in the 

 scrotum, may sometimes cause the disease, but by far the 

 most common etiologic implements are the hands and the 

 instruments, which sow the seeds of mischief at the time 

 of the operation. There are also certain predisposing 

 causes in the form of ill health from bad nourishment, pri- 

 vation, exposure, febrile disease, approaching febrile di- 

 seases, convalescence from diseases and all forms of general 

 systemic debility, which, in addition to dirty methods of 

 operating, are very prolific in causing fatal consequences. 



The symptoms begin about the "fourth day with a slight 

 indisposition. The patient stands continually, seems fixed 

 to the floor and will only move about when urged; the 

 appetite gradually fails, the temperature rises to 103 to 

 105° Fahr. ; the flanks are tucked; the coat is staring; the 

 urine scanty; the bowels are constipated and defecation is 

 avoided on account of the pain produced in straining to 

 perform the act ; the scrotum and sheath may be either 

 slightly or enormously swollen ; the inguinal region on 

 palpation of the cords is found exceptionally painful; and 



