38 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



angle with the direction of the cord. This done, the 

 operator applies the broad portion of the iron over 

 the entire surface of the stump of the spermatic cord, 

 and cauterizes (or sears) the part thoroughly. It 

 must be remembered that to insure the safety of thft 

 cauterization, the iron must be very hot. Otherwise^ 

 when it is removed, if it has cooled off, it may ad- 

 here to the carbonized surface, and the scab forme(J 

 at the end of the blood vessel may accompany thti 

 instrument. The application of pulverized rosin t(» 

 the end of the cord, previoiTS to the cauterization, in 

 recommended by some practitioners. 



A very proper precaution, and one on no &,ocoun4 

 to be omitted, is the protection of the surrounding , 

 parts from the radiating heat by covering thorn witli 

 wet cloths. 



When the operation is completed, the forcepa 

 should be opened with great care, in order to ascej:- 

 tain whether all hemorrhage has ceased, and tha 

 cord may be allowed to retract. If any oozing o2 

 blood appears at the point of the operation, the cau» 

 terization must be repeated at the point indicated. 



A free application of cold water, in the form of a 

 douche, after the operation, will contribute i/i the 

 formation of a clot in the cauterized artery. 



