478 
T. B. RODGERS. 
the operation is from one to two years. If the veterinarian 
is consulted as to the proper age he will not err in recom¬ 
mending two years, all things being equal, as the best and 
safest time for all concerned ; the yearling is easier to handle 
but the testicles in many yearlings have not fully descended, 
and it is hardly possible to get the incisions just in the right 
place and clean —vice versa , the two-year-old is harder to 
handle, easier to cut. Are there periods of life when the 
dangers of castration are intensified ? I think so, and consider 
that the time from three to six years represents the period 
of greatest risk, as the horse is then reaching the acme of his 
sexual development, and his generative apparatus is in its 
greatest functional activity. 
Old horses have always done well for me, indeed, I do 
not recollect any trouble arising from the operation in 
patients between eight and eighteen years of age. It has 
been urged that the best time of life is when the colt 
is sucking, and 1 have cut a number of these little fellows, but 
do not feel that I can recommend this course ; when cut so 
young the penis may not become sufficiently developed to 
protrude well from the sheath during micturition, and the 
consequence is a dirty sheath if no worse ; it also tends to 
make a colt light in front, and it is well to see what a well- 
bred youngster will develop into before making him a geld- 
ing. 
It may be well to consider in this connection as to what 
answer we shall give to the oft-asked question, Doctor would 
you cut this colt or let him run for the stud ? I trust no 
member of the Pennsylvania State Veterinary Association 
would advise the castration of a horse for the sake of the fee, 
but I do know practitioners who would urge the gelding of 
Ormonde if they could get a five dollar note out of it. I 
generally tell the owner that unless the horse is bred in good 
lines, has size and shape, color, action and disposition he will 
not be likely to stand the competition of to-day. Time was 
when anything was good enough for a stallion, but that day 
is fast passing away. 
Precautions before operating .—Examine for hernia, for 
