CASTRATING. 



661 



Tiie only special ill resvilt to an old animal is tliat the ojieration 

 is apt to cause liim to lose liis spirit and pluck, and make him 

 nervous or vicious. Operating under chloroform appears to aid 

 in preventing this untoward contingency from occurring. 



Colts intended for saddle and light harness work should be 

 castrated earlier than those destined for heavy draught, which 

 animals ought to be heavy in front, so as to be able to put weiglit 

 into the collar. 



A horse should be in good health and condition before being 

 " added to the list," and should be previously stinted of food for 



Fig. it'g. — Horse ready to be made to lie down. 



five or six hours, so that he may not injure himself internally when 

 struggling. 



In order that the wound may not take on an unhealthy action, 

 it is well not to castrate during cold or damp weather. 



The operator should see that the surroundings are free from bad 

 odours or taint of any kind, and it is advisable for him, before 

 commencing, to disinfect his hands and instruments and the site 

 of operation (p. 70). He should abstain from operating if he lias 

 recently been "calving" oows; making a post-mortem examina- 

 tion; or has been brought into contact with decomposing matter. 

 These precautions are taken with special reference to the preven- 

 tion of tetanus and scirrhous cord. 



Before castrating a horse, he shoifld be carefully examined for 



