operative Handling of Ovarian Cysts 205 



ring in the wall or to a wagon, by means of a strong halter or 

 horn rope. The position of the examiner should not be too low, 

 and should be clean and dry. Cows which are sensitive about 

 the handling of their genitals should be secured so that they can 

 not move very freely, by forming a triangle by means of a wall 

 with a wagon placed obliquely against it, the cow being tied short 

 in the apex of the triangle so that she can neither move forwards * 

 nor backwards, while lateral movements are controlled by pushing 

 the heavy wagon toward the wall and closing the base of the 

 triangle. In very cold weather or when flies or gadflies are 

 numerous, the animal may be secured and examined in a horse 

 stall. Prior to the examination, the external genitals, anus and 

 vagina should be well cleansed by means of a clean handtowel. 



If the right hand is to be used by the examiner, the tail should 

 be turned to the right and held by an assistant standing on the 

 left side of the cow, and reversely. The proper examination of 

 the special genital organs requires a blouse to protect the cloth- 

 ing and two, or better three assistants, much patience, at all 

 times great cleanliness, removal of all finger rings, thorough 

 oiling of the hand and arm, as well as clo.sely trimmed nails. 

 The evacuation of the rectum, especially in winter and in ani- 

 mals not greatly excited sexually, is most conveniently brought 

 about by inserting the fingers, up to the metacarpus, in the anus 

 and, spreading the digits apart, permitting air to enter the rectum, 

 upon which defecation usually occurs spontaneously ; otherwise 

 the rectum needs be evacuated with the hand. A special flush- 

 ing out of the rectum with the addition of anaesthetics we deem 

 unnecessary. 



In order to avoid as far as possible the troublesome arching of 

 the back and pressing upon the rectum, which renders the ex- 

 amination and handling difficult and, especially when upon green 

 food, becomes very disagreeable, it is recommended to gather the 

 skin in folds just behind the withers, to pinch the skin of the 

 back between the fingers, to press upon the anterior dorsal region 

 by means of a round beam, and to strike sharply upon the horns 

 with a small stick. [A wooden beam 5 to 6 feet long placed 



across the back and borne down by a man on either side, is, in 

 our experience, the most effective plan for preventing straining.] 



In locating the ovaries it is to be first remembered that the 

 normally involuted, symmetrical, unimpregnated uterus, weigh- 



