132 THE farmer's veterinarian 



as a rule, become worthless if castrated. Cats grow 

 to an enormous size when castrated. 



Suggestions About the Operation. — In the castra- 

 tion of all the domestic animals some general sug- 

 gestions will be beneficial, (i) Secure the animal 

 so he cannot injure himself or the attendants. (2) 

 Do the castration during the early spring. (3) 

 Give the animal exercise after castration. (4) Boil 

 the instruments before operating, using warm 

 water and any good hand soap. (5) Disinfect the 

 skin over the scrotum before operating with cor- 

 rosive sublimate i-iooo. (6) Wash the hands of 

 the operator with soap and water, then disinfect 

 with corrosive sublimate. (7) Great care should 

 be exercised that no corrosive sublimate be left 

 that stock may drink, as it is a deadly poison. 



When the instruments have been boiled (sharp 

 castrating knife and emasculator), cast (throw) 

 the animal as carefully as possible. Secure the 

 hind legs so they will not hinder the operator. The 

 operator having his hands clean and the scrotum 

 washed and both his hands disinfected, and also 

 the region to be operated upon, the animal is ready 

 for the operation. The lower testicle is grasped 

 •with the left hand and with the right hand an in- 

 cision is made over the testicle, down to the tes- 

 ticle. The testicle is pulled upon until the cord is 

 seen. Then the emasculator is used to crush the 

 cord. This emasculator should be placed on the 

 cord as high up as possible. Some like their horses 

 castrated proud. This consists in leaving part of 

 the testicle. This last method is not safe, as it 

 allows the testicle to become infected and form 

 what is commonly known as water seeds. A 

 tumor grows on the cord and may become the size 

 of a man's head. 



