88 OVARIOTOMY OF TROUBLESOME MARES. 



natural healthy conditions these are not present. If, therefore, 

 a septic peritonitis takes place after an operation the operator 

 must be prepared to satisfy himself, at- all events, that some-' 

 thing connected with his hands a'nd instruments was not the 

 primary source' of infection. Scrupulous surgical cleanliness is 

 the .first essential to success in all major operations, and it is 

 absolutely necessary when any of the cavities of the body hdvi to 

 be opened. The presence of disease of the uterus or vagina, 

 especially if accompanied by discharge, must make the operator 

 rather more cautious in giving prognosis, and, of course, in each 

 case an assurance should, as far as possible, be obtained that 

 the mare is not pregnant. 



