io8 VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE MARE. 



not through the erectile tissue, insert it again into the 

 superior portion of the fibrous capsule and carry it out 

 through the adjacent dorsal vessels and the skin as shown 

 in Fig. 9, and bringing the ends of the sutures together, 

 tie in such a way that it brings the uretheral mucous mem- 

 brane and the margin of the skin in immediate contact and 

 closes the blood vessels securely in such a manner as to 

 guard against hemorrhage. By this plan when the sutures 

 are tied, the cut borders of the fibrous envelope are brought 

 together over the erectile tissue, thus preventing hemor- 

 rhage from that tissue also. Insert as many sutures as 

 may be required to completely and securely close the wound. 

 Finally leave every part wholly covered with epithelium. 

 By this plan we hope to avoid stricture of the urethra in 

 the process of healing. Remove the tourniquet and release 

 the patient. 



27. VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN* THE MARE. 

 Figs. 10, 11 and Pirate XVIII. 



Objects. The alleviation of vice when related to ovarian 

 irritation or disease. 



Instruments. Colin's scalpel, ratchet ecrasure, 55 cm. 

 long. 



Preparation of patient. It is highly important that 

 the animal should be kept on a scant laxative diet for at 

 least 24 hours and preferably longer prior to the operation, 

 so that the alimentary canal shall be somewhat empty and 

 thus decrease the tension within that cavity and relieve 

 the operator from much annoyance due to the pressure of 

 the viscera. 



Technic. The vulvo-vaginal canal of the mare is unique 

 in its physiological behavior. Under venereal excitement 

 or the introduction of the operator's hand or of tepid water 

 the organ has the power of "ballooning" or dilating to a 

 degree not seen so far as we know in other animals ; the 



