CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHIDS. 
409 
case of a dog, found the retained testicle attacked with cancer; the same 
condition has been seen in horses. In man, such testicles still more 
frequently become diseased, so that early removal is generally necessary. 
The same necessity does not exist in the horse, though removal often 
becomes desirable on account of sexual excitement (particularly in 
spring), often greatly interfering with the animal’s usefulness. Many 
ciyptorchids are too vicious for use. The flesh of cryptorchid swine 
has usually a repulsive taste, which, according to Koch, is retained even 
by the salted meat, and is more intense the more completely the testicles 
have developed. 
Castration of cryptorchid s requires some practice and careful anti¬ 
sepsis. Since it has been so much practised by Stockfleth and Nielsen 
in Denmark and Degive in Belgium, Bang and Cadiot have taken it up. 
At one time Hering considered it altogether unjustifiable. With anti¬ 
septic precautions the operation loses much of its danger, and is often of 
great service. 
In former times, and occasionally even of late years, the flank opera¬ 
tion was recommended, but almost all surgeons now operate by the 
inguinal canal. In large cliniques special arrangements are possible, 
but when operating in the country a field is usually the most convenient 
spot to select. The straw used as a bed should be spread out the evening 
before to prevent causing dust. The operation is easiest in horses which 
have been kept low for some weeks and are in thin condition. Borne 
days before operation a dose of physic is given to empty the bowel, and 
from that time the animal receives only a limited amount of concentrated 
food, like oats, with a little hay, but no straw. 
Thus prepared, the horse is cast on the side opposite the seat of 
operation; the hind-quarters are half-rolled over, and lie somewhat 
higher than the fore. The upper hind-foot is then drawn forward and 
fixed in a position of abduction and flexion, as in ordinary castration. 
By previously cleansing the hoofs and surrounding them with moist 
cloths, and by moistening the hair on the upper part of the thigh, the 
point of operation is protected against infection. 
Three dishes, each containing 2 to 3 per cent, carbolic solution, are 
necessary. The instruments are placed in one, the ligatures and needles 
in the second, the third is used by the operator for moistening his hands 
before introducing them into the abdominal cavity ; in a fourth empty 
dish, pledgets of tow are in readiness. It is also well to have at hand 
a vessel with a lip, to use as an irrigator. 
All being ready, the animal is chloroformed, during which time the 
seat of operation is washed with soap and disinfected with carbolic or 
sublimate solution. As soon as narcosis is complete, the assistants, 
holding the dishes, place themselves near the operator, who has carefully 
