158 ANIMAL CASTBATION. 



Preparation of the Seat of Incision.— Wush with soap 

 and carbolized water, and sliave a sufficient sur- 

 rounding area to avoid liair getting into the incision 

 or becoming entangled in the ligature. 



Seat of the Operation. — Midway between the last 

 pair of teats. This seat is preferred because the 

 recti at this point are thick and offer a decided 

 mechanical obstacle to the occurrence of hernia after 

 the operation, although the ovaries are more readily 

 leached by making the incision an inch or so farther 

 forward. 



The Operation. — With the bistoury make an incision 

 through the skin, on the median line ; it should be 

 about li inches in length, just sufficient to admit 

 one finger freely. Then with the nicking-knife held 

 in the " pen " position cut boldly through (between) 

 the recti and peritoneum at one sweep of the knife ; 

 when the peritoneum is incised, as shown by the 

 resistance to the pressure of the knife ceasing, turn 

 the heel of the knife down and complete the mus- 

 cular incision, being careful that it is the same length 

 as the incision in the skin. Pass the uterine sound, 

 keeping it on the superior wall of the vagina (the 

 skilled operator soon learns to do without the sound). 

 Pass one finger into the wound and feel for the 

 sound, bring out the uterus, and, holding one horn 

 taut, pass the finger along it imtil the ovary is felt 

 suspended in the broad ligament. Break down 

 gently the adhesions of this last to the sub-lumbar 

 region and bring out the ovary and its appendages. 

 Kepeat the process on the other horn. Ligate both 



