354 
CHARLES HENRY JEWELL. 
The results of Winn and others of spaying through the flank 
made little impression on veterinary surgery ; but since the in¬ 
troduction of the vaginal method the operation has become well 
established. At one time the operation was considered very dan¬ 
gerous to both mare and cow, owing to the extreme sensitiveness 
of the peritoneum to infection, but since the era of antisepsis, 
abdominal operations are made feasible with but little fear for 
the welfare of the patient. Experience has taught us that the 
sensibility of the peritoneum is not of such importance as was 
formerly believed if strict asepsis is observed in penetrating the 
cavity. 
Object .—The object of spaying varies with species or 
strains ; for instance, in the mare the operation would be indi¬ 
cated in those which have an abnormal desire for the male, 
seemingly irresistible. Such are called nymphomaniacs. They 
are very irritable during the periods of oestrum, which are fre¬ 
quent, excessive and prolonged. When approached, such ani¬ 
mals lay back their ears, switch their tails, and spasmodically 
eject small quantities of light colored, slimy urine ; they stamp 
their feet, rub their hind quarters against the stall, attempt to 
bite, strike, kick, and when hitched will often refuse to do the 
work demanded. Many have the habit of catching the rein be¬ 
neath the tail and holding it firmly. When served by the stal¬ 
lion they generally fail to breed. They are, as a rule, in poor 
condition, and prove a source of annoyance to their owners. 
The object of the operation in cows is, first, in case of the 
nymphomaniac, which is a great source of annoyance in the 
herd, by jumping others, breaking out of enclosures, producing 
but little milk and seldom becoming pregnant, also maintain¬ 
ing a lean condition. Secondly, it is asserted that the opera¬ 
tion will not only increase the quantity of milk, but the quality 
as well. Third, the effect on beef production is very marked, 
the animal taking on fat in increased amount and well diffused 
throughout the tissues. The beef is said to equal that of a 
steer. While such are being prepared for the slaughter, a good 
flow of milk will be maintained, making it doubly profitable in 
