DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
687 
tion to the completion of the operation. By removing the 
foetus from the uterus, it is more easily handled than when ex¬ 
cised without doing so. 
Placenta .—The placenta may be removed from the uterus 
before excising it, but in most cases it is not necessary. The 
only reason why it should be removed is that it reduces the 
size of the uterus and makes it easier to handle ; while, on the 
other hand, it is a loss of time and increases the danger of 
haemorrhage, and for this reason it is generally considered more 
practical to leave it intact and remove it with the uterus. 
Hcemorrhage may be controlled by the application of a 
T-shaped forceps (Pig. 31-a) to the edge of the wound, which 
will quickly arrest it ; by applying a temporary ligature around 
the cervix that can be easily removed (Fig. 31-b); or by insert¬ 
ing the hand into the abdominal cavity and compressing the 
cervix. 
The Removal of the Uterus .—The operation is more simple 
in quadrupeds than in bipeds ; the uterus is not so muscular 
and the pedicle does not require so much attention as is given 
to it in human surgery. 
The uterine and ovarian arteries are carefully and substan¬ 
tially ligated, and the uterus amputated as near to the os uteri 
as possible. The mucous membrance of the pedicle or stump 
should be curetted, and a tampon placed into it, so that it can 
be removed from the vagina ; the anterior part of it must be 
carefully trimmed and the lumen closed by a catgut suture ; 
and, when all haemorrhage is arrested and the edges of the 
wound rendered aseptic, the peritoneum should be sutured over 
the anterior part of it. The abdominal cavity must be thor¬ 
oughly irrigated aud closed, as in Caesarian section. 
After-treatment .—Pain must be relieved by hypodermic in¬ 
jections of morphia ; the bladder must be emptied at regular 
intervals ; the tampons must be changed every day ; the exter¬ 
nal parts must be kept clean; occasional vaginal douches 
must be given ; and a rise of temperature should be promptly 
met by ascertaining the cause, and the use of antiseptics. Peri¬ 
tonitis is the most dreaded sequel, and when known to exist 
should be treated with cold packs, turpentine, enemata and 
saline aperients. Rectal nutrient and stimulating enemata are 
necessary to.maintain and strengthen the depleted system. 
Ovarectomy OF THE Sow.—The operation, though com¬ 
paratively simple, requires a certain amount of practice to give 
to an operator an envious degree of dexterity. Many of the 
