OVARIECTOMY Itf THfi BITCH 



303 



Fourth Step.— The Ablation.— When the uterus has thus 

 been discovered it is hooked up, either with the index finger 

 or with a blunt tenaculum, and brought out through the 

 wound. The bifurcation is sought and then gentle traction 

 upon one of the cornua soon brings the jovary attached to 

 it into view. The ovary will be recognized from adipose 

 masses by its elongated form and its relatively firm texture. 

 Its ablation may be effected in various ways. The simplest 

 safe method is to grasp the attachments of the ovary firmly 

 with the artery forceps and then cut it off with the scissors, 

 leaving the forceps to hang until the opposite ovary is 

 brought out and ablated in the same manner. The forceps 

 are allowed to remain for a»few moments while preparation 

 for the next step is being made. This method of ablation 



Fig. 153. Bitch Properly Bandaged after Ovariectomy. 



is simple and never fails to prevent bleeding, except in 

 bitches in heat, where ligation with catgut is the only abso- 

 lutely safe expedient. 



The emasculators in miniature, sold under the name of 

 "bitch emasculators," besides being entirely too cumbersome, 

 seldom prevent bleeding as effectually as the above method. 



Fifth Step. — Suturing the Wound. — The operator may 

 select between the three following methods: (i) Through- 

 and-through interrupted sutures of silk; (2) a row of buried 

 catgut interrupted sutures for the muscles and peritoneum, 

 taken together, and a row of silk interrupted sutures for the 

 skin; and (3) removable louried sutures of silk. Of these the 

 last is recommended. (See page 59.) 



Sixth Step. — Post-operative Protection. — The sutured 

 wound should be protected by a firm body wrap to assure 



