METHODS OF RESTRAINT AND COMMON OPERATIONS 257 



tion of two imaginary lines drawn from the bases of the ears to 

 the opposite eyes; with cattle the point where lines intersect 

 when drawn between the opposite eyes and horns. Even when 

 shot with a .22 caliber firearm the animal will drop dead, without 

 a struggle, on the spot upon which he has been standing. 



REDUCING RUPTURE 



Rupture or hernia is a condition in which a loop of the bowel 

 has escaped from the abdominal cavity and lies superficially 

 beneath the unbroken skin. The resulting enlargement yields 

 to pressure, and may be reduced by working the contents through 

 the hernial ring. Rupture occurs most frequently at the navel, 

 but is not rare in the scrotum and at points along the abdominal 

 wall where there is a weak spot. A kick or a blow is a common 

 cause of hernia after birth. At the navel it often results from a 

 weakness left when the navel cord became detached, and is 

 known as umbilical hernia. Ruptures are not uncommon in 

 colts. They frequently outgrow the trouble, so it is wise to defer 

 surgical interference until they are at least one year old, unless 

 there is danger of strangulation by pressure. When an operation 

 is deemed necessary a skilled veterinarian should be summoned, 

 as adhesions may have occurred that must be broken down. 

 When properly performed, the operation will result in a per- 

 manent cure in the great majority of cases. 



DOCKING 



Draft horses are sometimes subjected to this inhuman opera- 

 tion, which is rapidly falling into disrepute and is now unlawful 

 in most states. Thirty years ago fashion demanded docking for 

 heavy harness horses in order to make them appear "smart." 

 In cases where tumors occur on the tail, or the animal switches 

 and kicks a great deal, it may be removed either by the surgeon's 

 knife or by the docking shears designed especially for this purpose. 

 Restraint is accomplished by the twitch and the side-line. All 

 lambs should be docked. The operation is not very painful and 

 no hemorrhage occurs when a special docking iron heated to a 

 cherry-red heat, or the castrating emasculator is used. 



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