86 OVARIOTOMY OF TROUBLESOME MARES. 



and returned. The operator need not despair of success even 

 then, as it has occurred, and been successfully returned.^ It 

 may be necessary to fill the vagina with sterlised wadding or 

 tow, care being taken that none of it falls through the wound 

 into the abdominal cavity. 



Similarly with eversion of the rectum. Violent straining, 

 when no anaesthetic is used, may lead to this, apd it may even 

 become irreducible.^ If, after reduction, it again protrudes, 

 sutures should be inserted across the anus or some form of 

 pessary improvised. 



Haemorrhage should not occur if the ^craseur chain is a blunt 

 one and the removal of the ovary is effected very slowly. One 

 must not forget the possibility of puncturing the aorta when 

 making the vaginal incision. Such an eventuality would be 

 almost certain to lead to a fatal result. 



Bleeding from other vessels, if considered sufficiently serious, 

 might be stopped 'by the application of small artery forceps 

 which could be removed after about fifteen or twenty minutes. 

 If aseptic and left on altogether they would probably become 

 encapsuled. Such a condition has been recorded by Professor 

 M'Qaeen.3 



If colic occurs it is treated on the usual lines, drugs (such as 

 large doses of opium or cannabis indica) which quieten peri- 

 stalsis being especially indicated, and warm enemas given to 

 keep the contents of the rectum soft and to soothe the pelvic 

 organs. 



A serous swelling may result as the consequence of haemor- 

 rhage into a pouch between the vaginal coverings,* but, unless 

 causing severe pain, should not be lanced. Warm irrigations will 

 hasten its absorption, and opium should be added to the water. 



If an abscess forms and bursts internally the- probability is 

 that the patient will die ; but if it is lanced or the contents 



'■ "Le Bulletin Vet^rinairc, " No. 58. " Veterinary Record," Vol. XV., page 213 

 (Munro and Holburn). 



2 C. Pierce : " Veterinary Eecord," Vol. XIII., page 242. 



3 " Proceedings of the National Veterinary Association," 1894. 

 <■ See Appendix, Case 25. 



