CASTRATION. 
87 
castrated by this method, nor can I call to mind a single case 
wherein I had any symptom of peritonitis. I therefore prefer it 
to any other, and use it entirely at the present time on all the 
above referred to class of animals. 
The next method referred to, or that of clamping or com¬ 
pression of the cords, is a method that has been popular for 
many years, and still has its adherents and advocates in nearly 
every section of the country. It is perhaps the most liberally 
practiced of any other method, its simplicity and, if properly 
performed, its safety, are strong arguments in its favor. 
But the complications that are very liable to follow its use 
are such, that in my experience, I think it should give place to 
other and more modern methods. 
The operation consists in placing wooden clamps over 
the spermatic cords and their membranes, and in allow¬ 
ing them to remain a sufficient length of time to destroy 
the vitality or life of the parts, and by pressure at first, form 
sufficient blood clots in the blood-vessels to prevent haemor¬ 
rhage. The clamps before being placed on the cord are usually 
covered over, or filled with a paste, in which has been placed 
corrosive sublimate one part, and red precipitate two parts, 
which is intended to act both as an antiseptic and caustic, and 
thus assist in the destruction of the parts enclosed within the 
clamps. 
The danger following the clamps is, first: neglect to get 
them perfectly tight upon the cords, thus failing to stop the flow 
of blood. Second, the removal by the animal himself and con¬ 
sequent haemorrhage. Third, the danger of the clamps getting 
within the wound in the scrotal sac, and thus as a natural con¬ 
sequence be very difficult to remove. And fourth, the danger 
of a secondary haemorrhage following their removal at the proper 
time, generally about twenty-four hours after the operation. 
The principal complications following their use is scirrhosis of 
the cord, produced by the distention of the cord for such a 
length of time that the same fails to retract when the clamps 
are removed and the edges of the wound unite to the severed 
