ANIMAL CASTRATION. 157 



months old, and before the first period of heat ; the 

 uterus is then sufficiently developed to allow the 

 skilled finger to recognize it, and the uterine appen- 

 dages are free from fat. 



Selection of Subject. — The operation should be 

 avoided when the bitch is in heat and when the mam- 

 mary glands are active ; decided obesity also may 

 render the operation difficult and the results un- 

 promising. 



Preparation for the Operation. — Solid food is to be 

 withheld for 24 to 36 hours prior to operating. 



Ancesthesia. — The writer does not use or recom- 

 mend the use of general anaasthesia. 



If it is insisted on, the operator must in his turn 

 insist on the employment of a confrere to attend to 

 the exhibition of the anaesthetic. Ether is to be 

 preferred and if given very slowly and with discre- 

 tion will be much less liable to cause after intoxica- 

 tion and vomiting than if the drug is pushed. It 

 should be suspended as soon as the ligated uterus 

 is returned to the peritoneal cavity as the effect will 

 persist long enough to allow closure of the wound. 



Means of Bestrahd. —The nose is enclosed in a loop 

 of stout twine and the ends tied behind the ears. 

 The front legs are tied together at the middle of the 

 arm. One assistant controls the fore extremities and 

 head, another the hind legs, the animal being 

 placed in a position of dorsal decubitus. 



Instruments required. —Scissors (curved), a bistoury, 

 a nicking-knife, a uterine sound, curved needles, 

 silver wire (about 28) and silk thread. 



