n8 VAGINAL OVARIOTOMY IN THE MARE. 



The incision may be made too low and pass beneath 

 the broad Hgament. It is to be avoided by being careful to 

 keep close to the median line and above the os uteri. If it 

 occurs the operation may be completed from beneath with- 

 out very great difficulty only that the 'ovary now lies above 

 the hand and must be drawn down from on top the broad 

 ligament in order to fix the ecraseur upon it 



Infection constitutes always the most serious danger and 

 is to be avoided by proper securing of the animal, by the 

 avoidance of irritant antiseptics in the vagina, by rigid anti- 

 sepsis at every stage, and by carrying out the mechanical 

 parts of the operation deliberately, vigorously and neatly. 

 If infection should occur it will generally take the form of 

 pelvic cellulitis with abscesses and rectal stricture. Enemas 

 of a normal salt or soda solution affords the surest relief of 

 the stricture, and impaction in front of it. The abscesses- 

 must be watched and opened early into the vagina or rec- 

 tum, and the case treated internally and locally according 

 to general surgical principles. 



