98 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



First Step. — Incision of the Skin and Dartos luith 

 Laceration of the Sub-Bartoic Connective Layer. — This 

 is done as in cases of abdominal abnormality. 



Second Stejx — Separation of the Testicular Envelopes. 

 — The inguinal ring being exposed, the entrance of 

 the inguinal tract is obtained by tearing the connec- 

 tive tissue as in the second step of abdominal crypt- 

 orchidy ; in the tract a small ovoid mass formed by 

 the testicle will be found. Isolate it with the 

 fingers (index and medium) flexed in hook shape by 

 tearing the connective tissues which attach it to 

 the inguinal canal ; use of the bistoury is seldom 

 necessary. In cases where the testicle is held way 

 up, the manipulations are the same. Work carefully 

 to avoid injuries to the small oblique and to the 

 internal commissure. 



Third Step. — Licision of the Envelopes. — If the tes- 

 ticle is at the lower part of the tract, steady it in 

 position and with the point of a bistoury open the 

 envelopes covering it, in following the great axis of the 

 testicle. If it is situated high up, take hold of it and 

 pull it down near the inguinal ring to enable you to 

 incise the envelopes. If it resists, grasp it with a 

 strong force and drag it by force. Sometimes it is 

 necessary to resort to the bistoury quite deeply. 



Fourth Step. — Amputation of the Testicle.— The cord 

 being exposed, the amputation is made with the 

 ecraseur or by torsion, in applying the instruments 

 immediately above the epididymis. Silk ligature is 

 sometimes applied firmly upon the cord and simply 

 amputation made immediately below it, 



