CASTRATION OF THE HORSE. 
631 
deep enough to divide the skin and the abdominal tunic, as the 
other tissues beneath may be divided with the fingers. No 
incision need usually be made in the vaginal sheath, but when 
it is reached the index finger should be passed down alongside 
of it into the internal inguinal ring. If a probe-pointed bistoury 
be now passed down along with the finger, the ring may be 
incised sufficient to render easy the reduction of the hernia by 
taxis. The nick in the ring should extend outward and for¬ 
ward so as to avoid wounding the posterior abdominal artery. 
When the hernia has been reduced, the vaginal sheath 
should be grasped with the fingers, or a pair of forceps, and a 
catgut ligature passed through it close to the spermatic cord 
by means of a curved needle. If this ligature be then tied 
sufficiently tight to cause adhesion of the inner surfaces of the 
sheath, a recurrence of the lesion will be effectually prevented 
for all time. If the hernia has been reduced before any incision 
was made, it will only be necessary to secure the vaginal sheath 
and ligate it as above indicated. The wound may be closed 
by sutures, and under antiseptic precautions will heal readily. 
This operation, besides being neither difficult nor likely to 
be followed by serious results, is the only one that gives pos¬ 
itive assurance of permanent success. Moreover, by it the 
testicles may be saved, which, in highly-bred animals, is often 
an important consideration. 
Stauley claimes that no ligating of the vaginal sheath is 
necessary, but actual experience has proved that without it a 
return of the hernia may occur within ten minutes after the 
completion of his operation. 
1 have not the time to even briefly consider all the results 
of castration, but I cannot refrain from calling your attention 
to the etiology of scirrhus cord and fistula and abscess of the 
scrotum. 
Writers on this subject have been wont to accept the old, 
erroneous theories in regard to the causes of these conditions, 
and, consequently, it was left for a progressive young practi¬ 
tioner to first call the attention of the profession to the true 
cause of champignon and abscess of the scrotum as sequels of 
castration. But when the cause of these results, so much to be 
