OVARIOTOMY IN THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
355 
fattening such animals, which owners are desirous of selling at 
a gain. They may be milked until fit for the slaughter, and at 
the same time be allowed to run at pasture in company with 
the male without danger of becoming pregnant, which is often 
desirable to avoid. 
It is of value in the sow, owing to the increased fattening 
quality of such. It is a well-known fact that sows which are 
in “heat” take on fat slowly, owing to the excitability of the 
animal at such periods. 
Bitches subjected to the operation make more intelligent 
and docile animals, and the owner is not subjected to the an¬ 
noyance of the “rutting” season. The animals remain at 
home and are more attentive to duties, thereby reducing the 
losses to sheep owners, caused by roaming dogs. 
Cats after operating become more docile, grow larger and 
are not inclined to roaming from home. 
Time and Conditions Favorable to Operating .—The mare 
should not be in foal, nor infected with any contagious disease, 
or inflammatory disorder, especially of the intestines. Dairy 
cows should be operated upon after fourth or fifth calving, if 
desirous of milking for a considerable length of time. She 
should not be pregnant, nor suffering from any infectious dis¬ 
order, and the milk secretion should be at full height. It is 
better that all animals be prepared for the operation by with¬ 
holding full rations the day previous and not feeding on the 
day of spaying. 
Surgical Anatomy .—The vagina is situated in the pelvic 
cavity with the rectum above and bladder below. Its internal 
surface presents longitudinal folds which permit fre edilata- 
tion ; at its anterior extremity is situated the cervix of the 
uterus, giving to the fingers the sensation of a hard and firm 
projection, in the centre of which is a small opening generally 
impenetrable by the finger, in the cow, and radiating from this 
are the folds of the mucous membrane. The uterus continuing 1 
forward from the cervix, is situated in the sub-lumbar region 
with its posterior extremity at the inlet of the pelvic cavity ; 
