OVARIECTOMY IN HEIFERS 



295 



after maintained by frequent rinsing" in the mercuric chloride 

 solution, and if through lack of help it is found necessary to 

 handle ropes, bars, or the patient, clean gloves must be worn 

 to prevent harmful contamination. 



The field is prepared as follows : — A space over the flank 

 six inches in diameter is clipped and then the loose hairs are 

 sponged off with water. At the same time the surface of 

 the abdomen, the back, and the buttock is sprinkled with 

 water to prevent the flying of hairs. The clipped surface is 

 then given a brisk rubbing with mercuric chloride solution 

 1-500. For this purpose pledgets of cotton are used, and 



Fig. 147 — Location of Incision in Flank Ovariectomy and Operator's 



Position. 



when soiled they are cast off, in order to keep the antiseptic 

 solution clean. Shaving the field is not advisable on account 

 of the precious time consumed. However, if speed is no ob- 

 ject, shaving is a step in the right direction. 



PEPARATION. — The animals should be sustained on 

 a limited diet for at least three days, as intra-abdominal ten- 

 sion from loaded viscera, especially the rumen, is positively 

 a serious obstacle. The full rumen will bulge through the 

 incision, the ovaries are more difficult to locate and post- 

 operative bloat is more certain to occur when the heifers are 

 allowed fu 1 ! rations until the' very moment of being sub- 

 mitted to the operation. 



