OVARIOTOMY IN THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
357 
hernia being greater in the latter manner, unless great precau¬ 
tion be taken in suturing the abdominal parietes. 
Necessary Instruments and Their Preparation .—For the 
mare a long ecraseur, preferably worked by a spring and ratchet 
(Chassaignac’s), a knife with a metallic handle and concealed 
blade, and it is well to have a uterine dilator, although not 
often necessary. For the cow the uterine dilator, pair of long 
curved scissors and a metallic handle knife with concealed 
blade. For the bitch, cat and pig a scalpel, artery forceps for 
emergency, needle and suturing material (silk or catgut) are 
required. 
All instruments should be subjected to twenty minutes 
boiling in water to which sodi bicarbonate has been added. 
Methods of Securing A nimals for Operating .—The cow may 
be fastened in a narrow stall or stocks, if such be convenient. 
A rudely prepared stocks will suffice, which any novice can 
build. The animal should be secured firmly and straps or 
boards placed beneath the abdomen and thorax to prevent 
lying down ; it is well to have the hind legs secured to guard 
against kicking, should have a strap or rope drawn tightly 
over the back to prevent arching and straining. The mare 
should be confined in the stocks with strap over the back, two 
underneath, one beneath the thorax and the other under the 
abdomen. Bach foot should be securely fastened with ropes, 
the tail drawn tightly and secured above the croup and have 
an assistant hold a twitch upon the animal’s nose. 
The securing of the smaller animals is simple. Place the 
animal outstretched upon an inclined surface with the side up¬ 
ward on which the incision is to be made, the mouth being 
previously muzzled if a dog or cat. The legs should be 
secured with small ropes and fully extended. An assistant 
should hold the animal firmly. 
Preparation of the Operating Field. —Immediately prior to 
the operation the rectum should be evacuated, if the animal be 
a cow or mare, and the external genitals and surrounding parts 
thoroughly washed with soap and water ; then disinfect the 
