I .Ail \ M I M /\ I ^txo fork ?tat0 QfoUegc of Agriculture At Cfnrnell UntnErsitH 3tl(ata, JJ. ^. Cornell University Library SF 889.S3 Castration of domesticated animais; a tex 3 1924 003 485 921 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003485921 Castration of Domesticated Animals A TEXT BOOK For Stock Owners, Students of Agriculture, and Veterinarians By F. S. SCHOENLEBER, D. V. S. Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State Agricultural College AND R. R. DYKSTRA, D. V. M. Professor of Veterinary Surgery, Kansas State Agricultural College NEW YORK ORANGE JUDD COMPANY LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., Limited 1919 Copyright, 1915, by ORANGE JUDD COMPANY All Rights Reserved Entered at Stationers' Haix London, England ^-. 165 Printed in U. S. A. PREFACE IN writing the present volume it has been the aim of the authors to present the material in such a manner that it may readily be grasped by the lay mind, and those without previous training in anatomy or surgical technique. In view of the fact that a correct expression of the authors' opinion demands the use of certain profes- sional and technical terms, though these have been eliminated in so far as possible, it has been deemed advisable to include short chapters on the surgical anatomy of the parts, supplemented by photographs and hand drawings. In order to obtain a correct idea regarding the subject of cas- tration it is desirable, though not absolutely essential, that all the chapters be perused and the illustrations studied, as there is con- siderable correlation between the various parts of the text. The admonition that "there is no short cut to knowledge" is well to bear in mind. Ill PREFACE There is annually an enormous economic loss due to avoidable errors in the castration of animals, owing to the fact that busy stock owners have had no opportunity to inform themselves regarding correct methods. If by these means such losses may be prevented to an appreciable extent, the efforts of the writers will not have been in vain. We wish at this time to acknowledge the , courtesy of the Kansas Experiment Station, Prof. W. A. Lippincott of the Kansas State Agricultural College, and Mr. George Beuoy for the use of photographs, and Sharp & Smith for the use of electrotypes of various veterinary surgical instruments. - , (F. S. SCHOENLEBER, Authors}^ ^ T-v R. R. Dykstra. Manhattan, Kansas, June, 1914. IV CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. Castration of Males and Females . . . i JI. Objects and Results of Castration ... 4 III. Surgical AnatoiMY of the Male Organs of Generation 6 1. Tunica vaginalis propria. 2. Tunica vaginalis reflexa. 3. Fibrous tunic or infundibuliforra fascia. 4. Cremaster or cremasteric fascia. 5. Dartos. 6. Scrotum. 7. Testicle. 8. Spermatic cord. (a) Blood vessels. {b) Vas deferens. 9. The penis. 10. The inguinal canal. IV. Methods of Castrating Males . . . .14 1. Without removal of the testicle. (a) Crushing the testicle. (b) Crushing the cord of the testicle, (f) Tvfisting the cord of the testicle. (d) Passing a string around the cord. 2. With removal of the testicle. (a) Tearing away the testicle. (b) Scraping the cord of the testicle. (f) Crushing the cord. (d) Twisting of the cord. [e) Ligating the cord. (/) Dividing the cord with a hot iron. (g) Castration with the application of clamps. V. Castration of Stallions 25 1. In the recumbent position. 2. In the standing position. V CONTENTS 3. After-care. 4. Sequela;. (a) Bleeding. {b) Excessive swelling, (f) Castration fever. {d) Peritonitis. (e) Abscess or scirrhous cord formation. 5. Accidents of castration. (a) Fractures of bones. (h) Prolapse of the omentum. (f) Prolapse of the intestines. VI. Castration of Stallions Affected with Scrotal Rupture ... . 48 VII. Castration of Bulls ... . . 52 (a) Methods of control, (i) Methods of removing the testicles. VIII. Castration of Lames and Rams . . . .59 IX. Castration of Goats 62 X. Castration of Boars . . . 65 1. After-care. 2. Scirrhous cord formation. XI. Castration of Pigs Affected with Scrotal Rupture 70 XII. Castration of Dogs . . ... 74 XIII. Castration of Cats . ... 76 XIV. Castration of Male Birds, or Caponizing . 78 XV. Ridgling Castration 89 1. Horses 2. Bulls, boars, etc. XVI. Castrating Proud loo XVII. Hydrocele or "Water Seed" . . . 102 XVIII. Castration of Females — Surgical Anatomy . 105 1. Vulva. 2. Vagina. 3. Cervix. 4. Uterus. 5. Uterine cornua. 6. Fallopian tube. .7. Ovaries. VI COiXTENTS 8. Comparative anatomy of the sexual organs of the cow, etc, 9. Structure of the abdominal wall. (a) Skin. {b) External oblique muscle, (f) Internal oblique muscle. (d) Peritoneum, blood vessels, etc. XIX. Spaying the Mare Through the Walls of THE Vagina 113 XX. Cattle Spaying 122 1. Through the vagina. 2. Through the upper flank. 3. Through the flank without passing the hand or arm into the animal's abdomen. XXI. Castration of the Ewe and Female Goat -131 XXII. Castration of Sows . . . . . .132 XXIII. Castration of Bitches 135 XXIV. Castration of Hens 143 vir LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIG. PAGE 1. Testicle lo (i) Cremasteric muscle. (2) Vas deferens. (3) Epididymis. (4) Blood vessels. (5) Nerves. 2. Castrating ecraseur 18 3. Emasculator with crushing attachment 19 4. Ochsner forceps 20 5. Castration clamp 22 6. A good casting harness 25 7. "Figure of eight" tie : 26 8a. Front view of "back tie" 27 ib. Rear view of "back tie" 28 9. Miles's castrating knife 29 10. Artery forceps 30 11. Six-inch curved scissors 31 12. Full-curved needles 32 13. Needle holder 33 14. An elliptical scrotal incision through which both testicles may be removed 34 15. Indicating the correct position of the instruments during a colt castration 36 16. Castrating in the standing position 38 17. Swelling of the sheath and surrounding regions fol- lowing castration 41 i8. Castrating a bull calf in the standing position 52 19. Calf stretched out preparatory to castration 53 20. An easy method of casting a bull 54 21. Method of controlling the hind limbs 55 22. Casting bulls by means of the "English hobbles" 55 23. Bull cast with English hobbles 56 24. One method of controlling a ram for castration 60 25. "Hog-tied" 65 26. The hog on its back showing the scrotal incision 66 27. Pig affected with scrotal rupture 70 IX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIG. PAGE 28. Showing the preliminary skin incision in operating for the relief of scrotal rupture in pigs 71 29. A tape or rope dog muzzle 74 30. The proper size to caponize 78 31. A practical method of controlling a cockerel for caponizing 79 32. A more expensive operating table; the necessary in- struments are also shown 80 33. Indicating the place of incision in caponizing 81 34. Inserting the spreaders into the opening during caponizing 82 35. Tearing through the peritoneum during caponizing- 83 36. The bird's testicle is shown as a bright spot between the jaws of the spreader 84 37. Removing the bird's testicle with the spoon forceps. 85 38. The wound after caponizing a male bird 86 39. A capon brooding chicks 87 40. The white line indicates the place of incision when operating on ridgling boar 98 41. Schematic outline of the generative organs of the mare 106 42. Mare properly confined for spaying 113 43. Scalpel '- 114 44. Spaying ecraseur 115 45. An injection pump 115 46. A simple vaginal speculum 115 47. An efficient though expensive vaginal speculum 116 48. Vaginal spaying. The operator's hand passing through the "ballooned" vagina grasping the ovary 117 49. Spaying shears 123 50. Spaying emasculator 124 51. Administering ether to a bitch 136 52. Front and end view of Lerabert sutures 139 53. A bitch properly bandaged following spaying 141 CHAPTER I Castration of Males and Females THIS is a very ancient operation. It is supposed that Moses refers to it in the Old Testament, though the Hebrews did not practice it extensively. The Hebrews acquired their knowledge lof the operation from the Egyptians, who in turn learned it from the Assyrians, and the latter from the Ethiopians. The Greeks were familiar with it for a long, time, and Xenophon states that the Persians knew of it. Aristotle speaks in particular regarding spaying, and the Romans went so far as to perform the operation on all domesticated animals, in- cluding fishes. The various methods of operating, such as the use of clamps, cauterization, crushing and amputation, and the dangers, as tetanus, rupture, etc., were mentioned by Varro and Pliny, Apsyrtus, Vegetius, Estienne and Rusius. CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS In England the operation is frequently referred to in the Welsh laws, being known to the Celts, geldings, at that time, being used only by the common people, as the noblemen considered it undignified to ride them; to some extent, use of the heaviest stallions was necessary on account of the great weight of the armor. The Germans practiced castration since a very early period, designating geldings as "Wallache," because such animals were im- ported for a long time from the province of Wallachia. The Turks and Hungarians are claimed to have performed the operations at an early period. With the advent of gunpowder, and the use of lighter armor, geldings and mares came into more extensive use. Castration of females, or "spaying" as it is usually spoken of, had been practiced long before the Christian era. It is men- tioned, without describing the method of operation, by Aristotle and Pliny, being performed on camels, cows, mares, sows and ewes. Bartholin of the University of 2 CASTRATION OF MALES AND FEMALES Copenhagen describes removal of the ovaries through the flank, this method being adopted about the middle of the seventeenth century in Denmark. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the removal of the ovaries of the mare was prohibited by spe- cial legislation. The French operated through the flank and floor of the abdomen at this time, while about the middle of the nineteenth century removal of the ovaries through the wall of the vagina was advo- cated by Charlier. His methods have been somewhat modified by Cadiot and Colin, these constituting the more recent advances. CHAPTER II Objects and Results of Castration CASTRATION is considered to be an operation of the greatest economical importance, and it is therefore practiced universally wherever animals are raised or employed by man. It came into extensive use during war time, as castrated animals were less likely to neigh and reveal their presence to the enemy. Probably the most common reason for removing the testicle was to render the animal more tractable, less vicious, and permitting them to be turned out to graze with females or worked with them. Food-producing animals fatten quicker, the meat is more succulent and of a superior quality, and tainting of the meat with an objectionable odor is en- tirely overcome. Sheep grow wool of a better quality and more of it. Male birds become larger in size, have less tendency 4 OBJECTS AND RESULTS OF CASTRATION to roam and the quality of the meat is de- cidedly improved. At times the operation is an absolute ne- cessity for the cure or relief of such diseases and conditions as constant and uncontrol- lable sexual excitement, rupture into the scrotum, various tumors of the testicles, etc. In females, many of the foregoing con- siderations are applicable. The female is not so excited during the period of heat, and this otherwise lost energy is utilized for the production of flesh. The period of lacta- tion is greatly lengthened by removal of the ovaries, and the operation was frequently performed formerly with this object in view, though at present generally relinquished. Laws are in vogue in some states prohibit- ing the spaying of pure-bred animals unless necessitated for the relief of certain diseased conditions. Bitches are very frequently spayed to overcome the disagreeable rutting period. CHAPTER III Surgical Anatomy of the Male Organs OF Generation COVERINGS of the testicles: Each testicle is enveloped by five coverings, and in addition one common covering for both testicles. Naming them from within outwards, they are as follows : 1. The tunica vaginalis propria. This is a continuation of the visceral layer of the peritoneum. The latter has two layers, i. e., a visceral and a parietal. The visceral layer of the peritoneum is directly applied to or surrounds the organs in the abdominal cavity. It becomes herniated through the inguinal canal and envelops the testicle. It is, therefore, the covering directly applied to the testicle, and has the appearance of a thin, transparent, somewhat vascular mem- brane. 2. The tunica vaginalis reflexa. This is a continuation of the parietal layer of the 6 ANATOMY OF MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION peritoneum. The parietal layer of the peritoneum may be defined as that layer which is directly applied to the walls of the abdomen, or, in other words, it lines the walls of the abdomen, being continuous with the visceral layer which surrounds the intestines. This parietal peritoneum also becomes herniated or pouched through the inguinal canal, passing to the outside of the visceral layer, and finally forms the second covering for the testicle or the tunica vagin- alis reflexa. Collectively, these two cover- ings are called the tunica vaginalis. A small quantity of fluid is usually present in the tunica vaginalis, forming a hydrostatic bed for the testicle; when an excessive amount of fluid is present it constitutes hydrocele, frequently spoken of as "water seed" by the laymen. 3. Fibrous tunic, or infundibuliform fascia. This is immediately external to the preceding, to which it is intimately ad- herent. It forms a very complete covering for the testicle, though it is thinner in some places than others. It is continuous at the 7 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS internal abdominal opening with an ab- dominal wall structure. 4. Cremaster or cremasteric fascia. This is in reality the muscle which causes the ascent of the testicle. It originates on the lower surface of the loin, passes into the inguinal canal, becoming attached to the anterior wall of the latter, then continues as an incomplete covering for the cord of the testicle — in fact, forming the hind, prac- tically non-vascular portion of the cord — and finally terminates by attaching, with numerous prolongations, to the external sur- face of the third covering, or the fibrous tunic. 5. The dartos. This is a mixture of elas- tic fibers, and involuntary muscle fibers; it is loosely attached to the external surface of the fourth covering, but so intimately re- lated to the common or sixth covering that it cannot be separated from it. The dartos causes the wrinkling of the scrotal skin, and thus assists in the ascent of the testicle. 6. The scrotum or common covering of both testicles. This is a continuation of the 8 ANATOMY OF MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION skin, and is distinguished by the fact that it is a single pouch for both testicles. The testicle (Fig. i). This is an oval body, flattened from side to side in the horse, freely suspended in the coverings by means of the spermatic cord or cord of the testicle. At its upper border, and a little to the out- side, is a small enlargement, resembling the testicle in its general shape, known as the epididymis. This latter body is in reality the beginning of the excretory duct of the testicle. The spermatic cord, or cord of the testicle, consists of two portions, i. e., a vascular and a non-vascular. The former, or forepart, is composed of the blood vessels and nerves that supply the testicle; the latter is com- posed of the fascia, continued by the cremas- teric muscle, and the vas deferens. When castrating it is customary to sever the non- vascular portion with a single stroke of the knife ; the testicle may then be pulled down so as to permit the use of some hemorrhage-controlling instrument on the vascular portion. 9 CASTRATIOX OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS The vas deferens, previously mentioned as constituting a part of the non-vascular cord, is a structure of some importance, es- Fig. 1. — I. Crt^masti-ir Mlisci h. 2. Vas DrrF.RFNS. 3, Ei'IDID^mis. 4. Bi (lOD Vesshi s. 5. Ner\es. H. Testicle. pecially in ridgling castration of horses, as it may in some instances constitute the onlv logical guide to the location of the testicle. The function of the vas deferens is to act as lO ANATOMY OF MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION a passageway for the semen, from the tes- ticle to the penis. The vas deferens in the horse is about the size of a goose quill, and of rather a rigid structure. It commences at the epididymis — in fact, the latter may be considered a portion of it — then passes along with the nerves and blood vessels upward through the inguinal canal ; entering the abdomen, it continues upward and back- ward along the upper surface of the urinary bladder, finally terminating in the penis. The latter portion of the vas deferens, or, in other words, the part terminating in the penis, is known as the ejaculatory duct; at the dividing point between the vas deferens and the ejaculatory duct, a small pouch known as the "seminal vesicle" opens into these structures. The penis originates at this point, passes down under the skin, between the thighs, then between the testicles, and finally ter- minates in a free extremity, lodged in the sheath. In bulls and boars, the penis has a peculiar curve in its, downward course, spoken of as the S curve of the penis, owing II CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED AXITvIALS to its resemblance to a letter S. In bulls this curve is found just back of the testicles, while in boars it is in front of these organs. The S curve becomes obliterated during copulation. The inguinal canal. This is a flattened, funnel-shaped passageway located between the coats of the abdominal wall close to the inside of the thigh. The general direction of the passageway, with the animal in the standing position, is upward, forward and outward; it is about 4 inches in length in the horse, and of a corresponding length in other animals. The lower opening of this canal is spoken of as the "external abdominal ring." It is a ring or slit hav- ing distinct, sharply defined borders, and from 2 to 4 inches across in its long axis. It may be readily felt through the skin as a depression by drawing back the hind limb of the same side and passing the hand along the inner surface of the thigh and toward the scrotum. The upper opening of the inguinal canal is in the form of a narrow slit about ^ to 154 inches long, and without 12 ANATOMY OF MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION well-defined borders. It is covered by a thin peritoneum in ridglings. The function of the inguinal canal is to serve as a passageway for the descent of the testicle from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum during intra-uterine life, or the early stages of extra-uterine existence. After the descent of the testicle it lodges the sper- matic cord. It is a structure of the greatest practical importance in ridgling castration, and an accurate idea regarding the location of its various parts is absolutely essential to the successful performance of this operation. The size of the external abdominal ring should always be accurately gauged by feel- ing before attempting to perform such an operation in the horse. 13 CHAPTER IV Methods of Castrating Males MANY methods have been practiced, ranging from the most cruel, bar- barous, painful and unscientific methods to methods both humane and scientific, and based on an accurate knowledge of the anatomical structure of the parts. Such methods as crushing the testicle by pound- ing it between a block of wood and a ham- mer, or placing a clamp tightly around the neck of the scrotum, permitting the entire scrotum, testicles and appendages to slough away, cannot be condemned too severely. It is claimed that the former method may still be in vogue in northern Scotland and some parts of France and Spain. In Lapland, a cruel mode of destroying the function of the testicle is to crush it to a pulp without wounding the hide. In order to be prop- erly performed, with a minimum of suffer- ing, and not merely in a mechanical manner, an accurate knowledge of the surgical anat- METHODS OF CASTRATING ANIMALS omy of the parts is highly essential. The methods still practiced, both humane and inhumane, are as follows: I. WITHOUT REMOVAL OF THE TESTICLE (a) Crushing the testicle. A clamp is usually placed around the neck of the scro- tum, the testicles placed on a block of wood and crushed by the blows of a hammer. An extensive inflammation results, followed by a loss of functional activity. This method is to be highly condemned on account of its extreme cruelty. {h) Crushing the cord of the testicle. This was formerly performed on cattle in India, for the simple reason that no wound was made, thus avoiding after-care, and dangerous infection in a hot climate. The neck of the scrotum was included between two wooden clamps, and the latter struck several blows with a hammer. This re- sulted in complete destruction and closure of the blood vessels, followed by gradual shrinking of the testicle. (c) Twisting the cord of the testicle. 15 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS This method requires much skill on the part of the operator, being performed in France on bulls and also on stallions. The operator takes up a position back of the animal, grasps both testicles through the scrotum, pulls them strongly downward ; the animal immediately draws them up, but after they have been pulled down several times the muscle of the testicle becomes paralyzed and the animal can no longer retract it. The lowest point of the testicle is then turned up until it becomes the highest point, thus mak- ing a sharp bend in the cord of the testicle. After this, the testicle is rotated on its long axis eight or nine times, and then pushed upward as high as possible. The remain- ing testicle is treated in the same way. A piece of tape is tied around the scrotum just below the testicles to keep the latter from descending. The tape must not be drawn so tightly as to intercept the blood supply completely. In 24 hours the tape may be removed. There is a little uneasiness for a few hours after the operation, followed by swelling; this soon disappears, and if the l6 METHODS OF CASTRATING ANIMALS operation has been correctly performed the testicles will gradually shrink away. {d) Passing a string around the cord. This consists in passing a piece of sterile string through the skin in the region of the neck of the scrotum, then around the cord, tying the two ends and thus stopping the flow of blood to the testicle. This opera- tion is usually performed on goats and will be fully described in that chapter. 2. WITH REMOVAL OF THE TESTICLE [a) Tearing away the testicle. By this method the testicle is first exposed by means of the usual scrotal incision, then the muscle at the back part of the cord is cut through so as to permit perfect descent of the testicle, then the cord is twisted around the index finger and by a sudden jerk is pulled away. Bleeding is very slight following this pro- cedure, and the cord is ruptured so high up as to prevent infection of the stump. This method is most frequently adopted in pigs, also in the case of calves and lambs. {b) Scraping the cord of the testicle. 17 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS In this the testicle is exposed the same as in the preceding operation. The muscle at the back part of the cord is cut through, then the blood vessels of the cord are laid across the index finger and scraped with the edge of a rather dull knife until division is complete. Bleeding is very slight follow- ing this operation. It may be practiced on lambs, calves or swine. (c) Crushing the cord. This is a very general method of operating on colts, old stallions and other more or less mature animals. It may be performed with an ecraseur (Fig. 2) or an emas- cuIator(Fig. 3). The ecraseur FiG. 2.-ECRASEUR is an instrument with a chain, the latter being passed around the vessels of the cord and gradually tightened, thus crushing and 18 METHODS OF CASTRATING ANIMALS severing the blood vessels. Success de- pends upon revolving the handle of the ecraseur very slowly. The emasculator is an instrument with broad crushing surfaces and a cutting edge. This is ap- plied to the blood vessels of the cord, sever- ing them rapidly and with a minimum of bleeding. Both the ecraseur and emascula- tor are efficacious, though the latter permits of quicker work; the former is valuable when the testicle has not descended com- pletely, as in "high flankers." Fig. 3. — Emasculator [d) Twisting of the cord. This method is not practiced extensively, though it is ap- plicable in the castration of all animals. After exposure of the testicle and its cord, the muscular rear part of the latter is cut through, leaving the blood vessels; these are firmly encompassed with a compression 19 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS forceps, such as an 8-inch Ochsner forceps (Fig. 4), while a second similar forceps is applied to the cord about 2 inches below the first. The cord is firmly held with for- ceps No. I, while, by means of forceps No. 2, the cord is twisted on its long axis until it ruptures; from 16 to 20 turns are usually Fig. 4. — Eight-Inch Ochsner Forceps required. The operation must be performed slowly, so that all hemorrhage may be con- trolled. This operation is not to be recom- mended for old stallions or for old bulls, as the blood vessels of the cord are too large. (e) Ligating the cord. This consists in first exposing the testicle and cord, cutting cff the non-vascular portion of the latter, 20 METHODS OF CASTRATING ANIMALS then passing a strong silk or catgut string around the vessels. It is a good plan to pass the string through the blood vessels first, in order to prevent their slipping, and then around them. In stallions, it is well to place two such strings on the cord about an inch from each other; the cord is finally severed about an inch below the lowest string. This method of operating is ideal if healing of the wound would take place without pus formation. In so far as this is not likely to occur, the string or catgut acts as an irritant, frequently resulting in a very much enlarged or "scirrhous cord," which must then be surgically removed. Ligation of the cord is an ideal and perfect method to stop all bleeding. (/) Dividing the cord with a hot iron. This is a very old method of castration and was formerly much practiced on stallions and on bulls. The testicle is exposed as in preceding methods, and the muscular por- tion of the cord cut' through. A clamp, either of wood or an Ochsner forceps (Fig. 4), is first applied to the blood vessels; the CI CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS latter are then cut through about 2 inches above the testicle and i inch below the clamp. The stump may then be dusted with powdered rosin and seared with an iron heated to a cherry red; the clamp may be released somewhat, and if no oozing of blood occurs it may be removed completely, otherwise the iron must be reapplied. This method of castrating is quite efficient, but F]C. 5. — Castration Clamp has become obsolete on account of the intro- duction of improved methods. (<7) Castration with the application of clamps. The testicle is exposed by the usual incision into the scrotum. A wooden clamp is then applied around the entire cord of the testicle, and the cord severed about I inch below the clamp. The clamp should fit snugly in position, but should not 22 METHODS OF CASTRATING ANIMALS pull heavily on the cord. The clamp (Fig. 5) is usually made out of a round piece of hickory, elm, oak or any tough, light wood. The piece of wood should be about 8 inches in length and i inch in diameter. It is to be cut into halves, and a groove made in the center of each. The primary object of the groove was to prevent the clamp from slipping, though later it became customary to fill the groove with some caustic, disin- fecting agent, such as corrosive sublimate, red iodide of mercury, etc. The edges of the clamp should be rounded, and one end may be hinged, though this is not essential. The cord of the testicle is to be flattened out, and the clamps placed so tightly around it that there is no danger of slipping. The clamp may be left in position for from 24 to 48 hours, when it is to be carefully removed. Rough work at this time may cause quite a serious bleeding. The chief objection to the use of clamps is the great difficulty of maintaining cleanliness ; in ad- dition they are a source of irritation to the animal, causing the animal to attempt to 23 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS remove them and at the same time produc- ing considerable swelling. When properly- placed, observing strict antiseptic precau- tions, and removing them carefully, clamps are undoubtedly amongst the most efficient agencies to control bleeding; this is testi- fied to by their extensive employment, even after quicker and easier methods came into vogue. 24 CHAPTER V Castratiox of Stallions /iV tJie recumbent position (r). The animal should be cast, preferably, on a dean, grassy spot to which sunshine has free access. Manure piles and dirty and dusty barnyards must be avoided; the danger of contaminating castration wounds with or- dinary pus-producing germs, as well as the Fig. 6. — A Good Casting Harness germs of lockjaw and other infectious dis- eases, is very great in such localities. 25 CASTRATIOX OF DOMESTICATED AXIMALS The casting harness employed may vary considerably. The chief essentials are that it be strong and durable without being too cumbersome. Unnecessary straps, ropes, buckles and other contraptions must be avoided, as such agencies render the appli- cation of the harness difficult and almost impossible to keep them sanitary. The ■FiODRK OF Eight" Tie form of harness illustrated (Fig. 6) is a very good, practical one. In casting the animal two men should pull on each rope and one man should hold the head. The fore limbs are controlled with separate straps. It is highly essential to tie the colt up firmly, with limbs completely Hexed and 26 CASTRATIOX OF S'I'.M.LTOXS incapable of any movement. Secure tying frees the operator's mind from apprehension, insuring mental tranquillity, which is highly important for efficient work. If the colt can straighten out its limbs, there is great danger that the bones may become broken. #, W ■ ^ .%^^gK^---'^ % 1 B^^MI^K -^m^^mM » ■ %JSM^£^ / ■ - -f m f. .«««c. „ — •■,*' *"■■""■> ^/- y'-~ -2'X-- ^..iJMh ttj tea-,- ^ - - ^ ^SkIK^ vW»su ■- • '-^ Fig. 8a. — PfeoNT View of "Back Tie" P"or young animals, the "figure of eight" tie (Fig. 7) may be employed, but for older animals some form of support should be given to the bones of the back to prevent their breaking; this form of tying is ex- emplified in Fig. 8, (I and b. In this illus- 27 CASTRATIOX OF DOMESTICATED AXIMALS tration the method of holding the head is well shown, and as this is frequently the most arduous part of controlling the animal it should be closely observed. Before casting the animal it is a good plan to make a thorough digital examina- tion of the scrotum and its surroundings to Fic. Sb.~ Rear View or "Back Tie" determine the absence or presence of such abnormal conditions as failure of the tes- ticles to descend, rupture, etc. It is need- less to state that the animal must be in a good, thrifty condition, and entirely free from, or free from exposure to, an infectious or contagious disease. The best time of the year to castrate is 28 during the warm days of the spring before the advent of flies, or late in the fall after the disappearance of flies, and before cold weather sets in. Colts are usually castrated as yearlings, though they develop somewhat better if the operation is delayed until they are two years old. Fig. 9. — Miles's Castrating Knife The instruments and antiseptics required for any ordinary, uncomplicated colt cas- tration are as follows : I Miles's castrating knife (Fig. 9). 1 Emasculator (Fig. 3). 2 Artery forceps (Fig. 10). 2 Ochsner forceps (Fig. 4). I Six-inch curved scissors (Fig. 11). I Full-curved needle (Fig. 12). I Needle holder (Fig. 13). 29 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 2 Feet silk thread ; No. 12 thread is the right size. 2 Pans filled with 2% solution of car- bolic acid and absorbent cotton. I Pan filled with soap and water. A quantity of dry absorbent cotton. Previous to operating all instruments must be sterilized by placing them in boil- Fic. 10. — Artery Forceps ing water for at least 15 minutes; the ad- dition of a small quantity of sodium car- bonate to the water raises its boiling point and facilitates the removal of grease. The hot water is then to be poured off from the instruments, and they are to be covered with a 2% watery solution of carbolic acid. Under no circumstances must these instru- ments be touched by anyone except the 30 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS operator, and by him only after his hands have been rendered surgically clean. The animal's scrotal region and surrounding parts must be cleansed by first giving them a good washing with a stiff bristle brush, hot water and soap ; this is to be followed by a rinsing with 2% carbolic acid, and finally painting the operative area with tincture of iodine. In order to prevent loose dirt and hair from falling into the castration wound dur- ing struggling, it is a good plan to dampen the ab- domen and feet. The final preparatory step consists in thorough washing of the operator's hands. They must be surgically clean. Finger nails should be trimmed 31 Fig. U. — Six-Inch Curved Scissors CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS short. Then wash in hot water and soap with a stiff bristle brush, being sure to re- move all dirt from around and under the finger nails. A rinsing with alcohol re- moves all grease from the hands, especially that contained in the sebaceous and per- spiration pores; this step is un- usually valuable in ridgling cas- tration, as other- wise, during per- spiration, germs are forced out of these pores, con- taminating the wound, and an- tiseptic fluids will not pene- trate them so long as they contain grease. As a final step the hands should be im- mersed in a 2% watery solution of carbolic acid. If, during the operation, the hands become soiled by touching unsterilized parts, they should again be immersed in an- 32 Fro. 12.^FuLL-CuRVED Needles CASTRATION OF STALLIONS tiseptic fluid; in fact, it is a good plan to immerse the hand in the antiseptic several times during the course of the operation. If the operator assists in cast- ing the animal, he may, dur- ing the process, wear a pair of clean gloves, the inside of which has been sprinkled with powdered boric acid. During the operation the animal may infect the wound with its tail; to guard against this, the operator should place his foot upon that member. All preliminary steps having been carried out, an incision is made through the covering of the testicle so as to expose the lat- ter. There are many ways of making this incision. Avery good method is to remove both testicles through one opening. Such an incision must necessarily be large, which is of the greatest importance 33 Fig. 13 Needle Holder CASTKATIOX OF DOMESTICATED AXIMALS in getting wound drainage afterward, and in old stallions a large tiabby scrotum as an after effect is done away with. The incision is made as follows: With the left hand the operator grasps the sheath, drawing it for- ward so as to render the scrotal skin tense; Fig. 14. — An Elliptical Incision in thk Scrotum, Through Which Both Testicles May Be Removed with the knife in the right hand, an incision is commenced on the middle line of the scrotum and from 3 to 4 inches back of the front edge of the sheath. The incision is carried back for a distance of about 6 inches in a curvilinear manner so that the center 34 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS of the incision is about one-half inch from the middle line, while, behind, the incision terminates on the middle line. A second in- cision, beginning and terminating at the same place as the first, but curved in the opposite direction, is then made. In this way an elliptical piece of skin is removed from the bottom of the scrotum (Fig. 14). The testicle is then grasped, preferably the lower one if the horse is on his side, as blood from the upper testicle will not then flow over the lower wound; it is still further exposed by cutting through the remaining coverings, and pulled out for a reasonable distance, but not far enough to endanger rupture of the blood vessels by excessive traction. With the index finger pass through the thin membrane that separates the front vascular portion of the cord from the rear non-vascular portion. The latter may be severed by one stroke of the knife, being careful not to cut through the muscle of the cord, but through the tendinous part, as slight but persistent bleeding may follow the former. An Ochsner forceps is then 35 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS firmly clamped over the blood vessels of the cord, being placed close to the external abdominal ring; a second pair is placed about one-half inch lower. By grasping the handles of these instruments and giving them a twisting motion the cord is partiallv Fig. 15. — Indicating the Corhhct Rfi ative Position of the Two OcHSNER Forceps and the Emascui ator on the Cord of the Testicle ruptured. Finally the emasculator (Fig. 15) is applied about i inch below the lowest forceps and the cord severed. The emascu- lator must be held on the cord for about one minute so as to crush the end of the latter thoroughly. The forceps and emasculator 3(> CASTRATION OF STALLIONS may then be removed, and if properly per- formed there is no bleeding, as the blood vessels have been crushed at three different places. The upper testicle is then removed, through the same scrotal opening, in a sim- ilar manner. All loose hanging shreds of tissue should then be trimmed away with a pair of scissors, and if any pockets are present at any place that may collect future wound discharge these should be opened. The harness is to be removed slowly and carefully and the animal be permitted to rise. If the weather is seasonable, a stream of cold water may be turned against the wound for a few moments. This serves the double purpose of controlling slight bleed- ing from the skin wound and washing the wound free from blood clots. The patient is then allowed to stand quietly for a period of one-half hour, or longer if necessary, until all bleeding has ceased. 2. Castrating stallions in the standing position (Fig. i6). For this operation no restraint is required except a twitch on the nose. Additional security is furnished by 37 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS holding up one foreleg during the opera- tion. The operation should be performed in an open space away from fences, build- ings, etc., so that if the animal rears, falls or becomes uncontrollable during the work, there will be plenty of room to get out of Fig, 16. — Castrating a Stallion in the Standing Position his way. Moreover, it is not recommended as a good position in wild colts, or those not accustomed to being handled, nor in old stallions, nor colts that have at some time or other been afifected with scrotal rupture, as there is danger of a prolapse of the 38 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS omentum or intestines. For quiet colts, ac- customed to being groomed and handled, this method may be adopted, though it is not recommended for the simple reason that an operator cannot do good, careful work when constantly apprehensive regarding possible injury to his assistants or himself, and therefore under constant mental strain. When the twitch has been applied, and the animal's head pushed up, the operator takes his position alongside the animal's flank, and facing to the rear. With the left hand the neck of the scrotum is firmly en- circled, while with the right hand incisions are made parallel to the median line of the scrotum, and about i inch distant there- from, or in other words^ directly over each testicle. When thus exposed, the emascu- lator (Fig. 3) may be placed around the entire cord, or the muscle in the cord may first be severed with a stroke of the knife and the emasculator used on the blood ves- sels only. After-care is the same as in the operation when performed in the recum- bent position. 39 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS After-care. The morning after the operation the edges of the scrotal wound, which have become glued together by dried blood, should be separated with the fingers and the wound opened to permit free dis- charge of wound secretions. Needless to say, the fingers must be clean during this procedure. Some operators seek to prevent this adhesion of the edges of the wound by anointing the entire operative area liberally with a 2% solution of carbolic acid in olive oil. After the wound has been thoroughly opened the animal should be turned into a grassy paddock and encouraged to exercise as much as possible. SEQUELS I, Bleeding. This seldom occurs if the operation has been properly performed. The very slow dropping of blood is usually from the skin wound, not being dangerous and usually ceasing spontaneously; irrigat- ing the wound with cold water will also control it. When the blood flows in a fine 40 CASTRATION OF STALLIOXS Stream it becomes necessary to pack the wound tightly Avith pieces of cheesecloth or cotton previously saturated with an alum solution or similar astringent. The pack- ing is held in position by a few stitches through the edges of the wound. Occa- FlG. 1/. S\X ELLINC OF THE SkEATH AND SCRROINDING AREA FOL- LOWING Castration sionally the bleeding is so severe as to render it uncontrollable by these methods; it then becomes advisable to recast the patient, locate the bleeding vessel and close it by tying a sterile string around it. 2. Excessive swellint/ around the reqion of the ni'oiind (Fig. 17). This is almost 41 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS invariably caused by infection. It may be avoided to a large extent by thorough anti- septic precautions, by making the scrotal incision large and avoiding pockets that collect wound discharge. When once de- veloped the wound should be freely opened with clean fingers, all pockets and abscess cavities destroyed, and the wound thor- oughly irrigated once or twice daily there- after with a warm 5% watery solution of carbolic acid. If the swelling around the sheath is so excessive as to interfere seriously with urination, it may become necessary to resort to scarification of this structure. It is performed by making punctures, about one- half inch deep and at 2 or 3-inch intervals, into the swollen structures. This permits the serum, a clear yellowish fluid, to drip out, and soon results in a material reduc- tion in size. 3. Castration fever. In from one to five days following castration the animal's tem- perature may become very high, from 103 to 106 degrees F. ; the pulse is weak; water and food are refused, and the general con- 42 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS dition of the patient is poor. It is a seri- ous condition, caused by infection, and calls for energetic treatment. The wound must be freely opened and frequently flushed out with antiseptic solutions, as outlined in the preceding paragraph. The internal ad- ministration of one dram doses of quinine sulphate four times daily assists in reduc- ing the temperature. If this treatment induces diarrhea, it may be changed to 30 grain doses of iodide of potash four times daily. Thorough cleansing of the wound is of the greatest importance, however. 4. Peritonitis. This means that infec- tion, having its origin in the scrotal wound, has traveled up along the cord of the testicle and infected the peritoneum. This latter is the thin membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen and covers the intestines. The important symptoms are high fever, restlessness, slight colicky pains and loss of appetite. This condition is an unusually grave one, usually terminating fatally. The treatment is the same as outlined for cas- tration fever. 43 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 5. Abscess formation. This is caused by a retention of pus either in the scrotum or affecting the cord. It is favored by pockets and by leaving the cord of the tes- ticle too long, so that it hangs between the edges of the wound. When the cord is much enlarged and thickened as the result of this process, it is called scirrhous cord. The symptoms of this latter condition con- sist in an enlargement in the region of the scrotum, sometimes giving rise to the im- pression that a "third testicle" has de- veloped. A discharge of pus, from a scrotal wound that fails to heal, is not an uncommon symptom. Treatment consists in opening the abscess cavities so as to give good drainage, and their subsequent daily irrigation with antiseptic solutions until all discharge ceases. If the cord is affected and much enlarged thereby, it must be ex- cised. This is accomplished by carefully dissecting it loose from its surroundings as high up on the cord as the swelling extends, and then cutting it off by means of the ecraseur (Fig. 2). If there is much bleed- 44 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS ing during or following the operation, it must be controlled by the same means as bleeding following castration. After-treat- ment consists in daily antiseptic irrigations. ACCIDENTS OF CASTRATION 1. Fracture of the vertebrce or bones of the limbs. Old stallions when violently cast, and both old and young animals when loosely tied, giving them a certain freedom of movement, may fracture some of the bones of the body. It is prevented by care- ful casting and firm, secure tying of the limbs, with complete flexion of the latter so as to absolutely inhibit all movement. Tying old animals in such a way as to pre- vent arching of the back, is of value (Fig. 8). 2. Prolapse of the omentum. The omen- tum is the free portion of the thin mem- brane that covers the intestines. During or immediately following castration, it may escape (especially if the colt was born with a scrotal rupture) through the scrotal wound. If there is a good deal of it, there 45 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS is a tendency to pull the intestines down. The best treatment is to amputate the pro- lapsed portion with an ecraseur (Fig. 2) as close to the internal abdominal opening as possible, and pushing the stump into the abdominal cavity. Packing the scrotal wound and the inguinal canal for 24 hours with sterile gauze prevents a recurrence of the trouble. 3. Prolapse of the intestines. This may occur if the operator has been so careless as to neglect examination of the scrotal region preceding castration, or it may follow cas- tration of old stallions in which the inguinal canal has become much enlarged. The in- testines may make their appearance in the scrotal wound during the operation, or as soon as the animal arises. The condition is a very serious one, usually terminating fatally, though prompt treatment may save the life of some patients. There is a great tendency for the intestines to roll out of the wound very rapidly after the animal as- sumes the standing position, therefore they should be returned to the scrotum at once 46 CASTRATION OF STALLIONS and the scrotum closed with a few tempo* ary sutures or stitches. The animal must then be cast, placed under the influence of. a general anaesthetic, the scrotum opened by removing the stitches, and the intestines thoroughly washed off with a one-half per cent solution of carbolic acid, or a i to 2,000 solution of bichloride of mercury. If gas in the intestines interferes with their re- placement, they may be punctured with a fine trocar and canula. In some cases be- fore replacement can be effected, the ab- dominal ring must be slit outwardly. After replacement, the inguinal canal may be closed with silk sutures placed as high as possible, or the canal may be packed with sterile gauze; this is to be removed after 48 hours and a smaller pack put in its place, which may be taken out in 48 hours more, after which time wound swelling will close the inguinal canal. 47 CHAPTER VI Castration of Stallions Affected with Scrotal Rupture WITH the exception of swine, which is discussed in another chapter, horses are most frequently affected with this con- dition. Scrotal rupture is that condition in which the intestines pass through the in- ternal abdominal opening, descending through the inguinal canal, and finally lodging in the same position as the testicle. The displaced intestines are, therefore, in- closed by the same coverings as the testicle, the tunica vaginalis propria being in direct contact with them, and to the outside of this the tunica vaginalis reflexa. Many colts are born with a scrotal rup- ture, but in practically all of these condi- tions the intestines are drawn up into the abdominal cavity before the colt is one year old. If, however, this has not taken place by the time this age is reached, then it is advisable to reduce the rupture by an op- 48 STALLIONS WITH SCROTAL RUPTURE eration, and the sooner this is performed the better, as delay simply causes the in- ternal abdominal ring to enlarge gradually, with less chance that it will close per- manently after the operation. Old stallions affected with this condition are better left alone unless there is danger of death due to strangulation. In operating for the relief of scrotal her- nia the testicle is almost invariably sacri- ficed. The operation has been performed without castrating the animal, but it is not advisable, and more dangerous. The method of restraint, instruments re- quired, antiseptic precautions, etc., are the same as those preceding the ridgling cas- tration. After carrying out these preliminary steps a linear incision about 6 inches long is made directly over the testicle on the af- fected side, and deep enough to expose the tunica vaginalis reflexa. The latter is to be dissected from its surroundings as close to the internal abdominal ring as possible. Attempts should then be made to force the 49 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS intestines through the internal ring; if this cannot be done owing to their gaseous dis- tension, then a small puncture with a sterile, hollow needle may be made. Following this reduction a piece of sterile string should be passed through the vaginal tunics, close to the internal abdominal opening, and then several wrappings made around these tunics and the ends of the strin-g tied and left long so that they will hang out of the scrotal in- cision, to facilitate their grasping later on. About I inch below the string the vaginal tunics, and the contained cord of the tes- ticle, are to be cut off. The inguinal canal is then to be packed with sterile gauze, which is maintained in position with two or three scrotal stitches. Both the gauze packing and the string should be removed at the end of three to four days, when suffi- cient swelling has usually developed to close the internal abdominal ring permanently. This is spoken of as the "covered" opera- tion, and is the one most frequently em- ployed, and offers the best chances of suc- STALLIONS WITH SCROTAL RUPTURE cess. The possible sequelae are the same as those following a ridgling castration. The recurrence of the rupture is most likely to occur in those cases where the internal abdominal ring was very large at the time of operating. 51 CHAPTER VII Castration of Bulls THE restraint of these animals during castration depends almost entirely upon their size. Small calves can readily be handled in the standing position. They Fig. 18. — Castrating a Bl'i.l Cam- in the Standing Position may be tied up close to a wall, an assistant pushing the hind part of the animal against the wall and at the same time encircling the outer hind limb with his arms, pulling it outward and upward ; the operator oc- .^2 CASTRATION OF 15ULLS cupies a position at the animaTs side (Fig. i8).^ Slightly larger calves should be cast. This may be accomplished by placing a lasso around the fore limbs and another around the hind limbs; by pulling on these the animal is stretched out; an assistant holds the head (Fig. 19) . Fig. 19. — Calf Stretched Out Preparatory to Castration A very good method of throwing the larger calves is to loop a rope around the neck or horns, then bacl<; around the chest and finallv around the abdomen just in front of the hind limbs (Fig. 20). By pulling strongly on the end of the rope, the halter rope being held or tied, the 53 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS animal will assume the recumbent position and be held during the operation as in- dicated in Fig. 21. Very large, strong bulls are best cast with the "English hobbles" (Fig. 22). A strong piece of wood should be passed under the Fig. 20. — An Easy A^ethod of Castin.; hobbles and over the abdomen, being held by an assistant, to keep the animal from getting on its knees (Fig. 23). Instruments required are practically the same as for stallion castration. Their sterilization, disinfection of the operator's hands, and the operative area are also sim- 54 CASTRATIOX OF lUJLLS ilar. While it is true that these antiseptic precautions are frequently neglected, no Fi(~.. 21. — Method of Controlling Hind Limbs After Casting According to Fig. 20 bad results following in many cases, pos- sibly owing to the fact that cattle are not so Fig. 22. — "English Hobbles" in Position on the Limbs 55 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS subject to peritonitis as horses, still this is no excuse for failure to adopt them. Cattle have died as the result of castration in the past, and it is the operator's duty to adopt all precautions to reduce the death rate to the minimum. Fig. 23. — Bui. I. Cast with English Hobbi.es. The Position of the Operator Is Indicated The technique of the operation consists in grasping the neck of the scrotum firmly with the left hand. With the knife in the right hand, an incision is made over each testicle, commencing at a point opposite the upper extremity of the testicle and extend- S6 CASTKAl'ION OF BULLS ing down to the lowest point of the scrotum. This method of making the scrotal incision is preferred, because in healing it leaves a smooth, plump "purse," instead of a much wrinkled scrotum, which frequently follows when the bottom of the latter has been cut off. This exposes both testicles; the one farthest from the operator is first pulled out as far as possible without rupturing the blood vessel, the rear muscular part of the cord severed with a stroke of the knife, and then the blood vessels divided. In very- young calves this latter step may safely be carried out by stretching the blood vessels tightly over the index finger and scraping them with the edge of the knife. In some- what larger calves it is better to use the emasculator (Fig. 3), while in very large bulls with big, well-developed blood vessfels it is safer to apply a pair of Ochsner forceps to the blood vessels, and then sever them below these with the emasculator. Bleed- ing from skin wounds should be controlled with the small artery forceps, while all shreds of tissue should be removed with the 57 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS scissors. After-care is the same as in stallions. Sequels and accidents are also similar, though the bull is not nearly so subject to infections resulting in a fatal at- tack of peritonitis as the stallion. 58 CHAPTER VIII Castration of Lambs and Rams LAMBS are usually castrated between the fourth and sixth weeks of life; old rams are operated on when their period of usefulness has terminated. Lambs are con- trolled by placing them on their side, where they may readily be held by one assistant; large rams may be placed in a similar posi- tion, though it requires the combined ef- forts of two men to hold one. An easier method consists in placing the ram on its back, the assistant holding the head and fore limbs between his knees, while he grasps and draws up on the hind limbs (Fig. 24). The operator may then assume a position to the rear of the animal. Antiseptic precautions must be thorough; many lambs die annually from a lack of proper precaution in this respect. The scrotum of lambs and rams is very woolly, and much wrinkled, which, combined with 59 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS the fact that during the winter months the pens of these animals are frequently not cleaned out thoroughly, makes an unusually filthy operative area and one that does not lend itself readily to cleansing and disin- fection. The wool on the scrotum should first be clipped as short as possible; then thoroughly scrubbed with warm water and soap and a stiff bristle brush. This is to be followed by a good rinsing with a q% watery solution of carbolic acid. Instru- ments must be steri- lized by boiling, and the operator's hands must be disinfected with plenty of soap and water and disinfectant. An incision is then made over each testicle, as in cattle, or the bottom of the scrotum may be completelv removed. The muscle at the 60 Fig. 24, — Onk Mlthud of Con- TROLMNG A RaM FOR CASTRA- TION, CASTRATION OF LAMBS AND RAMS rear of the cord of the testicle is cut through, and in lambs the vascular part of the cord may be scraped through or pulled out. This latter is accomplished by twisting the cord around the index finger and with a jerk pulling it out. Old rams with large blood vessels may have the vascular portion of the cord severed with an emasculator (Fig. 3), or it may be twisted off by grasping the vascular portion with two Ochsner forceps (Fig. 4), holding the cord stationary with one forceps and rotating it on its long axis with the other until division is complete. After-care consists in placing the animals in clean pens or lots that have not been soiled by the accumulated filth of several weeks. The wound must be thoroughly opened the day following the operation. Outside of infection, accidents and sequelae are compar- atively rare in sheep. 61 CHAPTER IX Castration of Goats THESE animals do not stand castration with removal of the testicle very w^ell, and, therefore, they are frequently operated on by tying a string around the cord of the testicle, without exposing the latter, so as to shut ofif the blood supply, followed by shrinkage and functional destruction of the testicle. The animal is controlled the same as the ram. The neck of the scrotum is to be clipped, washed and painted with tinc- ture of iodine. The operator's hands must be washed and disinfected. The instru- ments required are two pieces of strong No. 12 silk thread, each about 12 inches long, and two half-curved needles, one with a sharp point and the other with rather a blunt point; these must be thoroughly sterilized by boiling in water for at least 15 minutes. With the thumb and index finger of the left hand the operator fixes the cord 62 CASTRATION OF GOATS in position in the region of the neck of the scrotum. With the right hand the sharp needle, threaded with a piece of silk, is passed through the scrotum from before to behind, and just along the inside of the cord of the testicle. The sharp needle is now replaced with the blunt-pointed one, and the latter caused to enter the exit opening, passed along the outside of the cord of the testicle, emerging through the entrance opening made by needle No. i. The two ends of the string are now tightly drawn around the cord, firmly tied, and the ends cut off close to the knot; the latter is then pushed into the scrotum through the first needle puncture. The puncture is covered with flexible collodion. Great care must be ex- ercised to draw the string tightly, as other- wise the operation fails. Shortly after the operation, the testicles swell somewhat and the animal is uneasy, though this is soon followed by comparative quiet and subse- quent shrinking of the testicle. If the anti- septic precautions have not been complete and thorough, infection and abscess forma- 63 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS tion may result, with a fatal termination; otherwise there are no complications, the piece of silk thread becoming completely absorbed in the course of time. The second testicle is to be operated on in a similar manner. 64 CHAPTER X Castration of Boars THESE animals are to be placed on their back or side. Large, vigorous boars must be "hog-tied" after they have been cast, which is accomplished by bring- ing the four feet together and tying them securely (Fig. 25). Smaller animals may be held very conveniently by one assistant "HOG-Tll-,b" — Tut Fot'K Fhtr Bl.lNi; TlEO TOCETHtR 65 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS sitting astride the animal's foreparts and grasping the hind limbs firmly. Prepara- tory antiseptic precautions consist in wash- ing the scrotal region with soap and water, followed by a rinsing with a 2%, watery Fig. 26. — Thk Hog on Its Back. Showing thi-; Scrotal Inclsion Long AND Wfii.i. Do\^N OR Forward Betv^ekn the Limbs solution of carbolic acid. The operator's hands must be cleansed in the same way, while the instruments are to be sterilized by a previous boiling. An incision is then made over each testicle, extending the en- tire length of the testicle and uh'II do-icn (Fig. 26). The most frequent error in cas- 66 CASTRATION OF BOARS trating boars is to make the incision too small, and not far enough down, so that there is imperfect drainage from the wound afterward. After exposure of the testicle it is withdrawn through the wound, the rear muscular portion of the cord cut through, the vascular portion of the cord twisted around the finger and with a sudden jerk pulled out. This method is very efficient, without subsequent bleeding in young animals; it is not applicable in old boars with large blood vessels. In these latter cases, it is better to use an emasculator (Fig. 3). It is important to sever the cord as far from the testicle as possible, because a cord irritated and contaminated by hanging be- tween the lips of the wound is certain to result in an enlargement of the end of this structure, known as scirrhous cord. After-care consists in placing the animals in clean pens with plenty of clean straw, or, better yet, in a clean, grassy pasture where no access can be had to a wallow. The latter is dirty and insanitary, and contact of a fresh wound with its filth may be followed 67 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS by the gravest result. Accidents following castrations of boars are rare, though such sequelae as wound fever and scirrhous cord are common. Wound fever is manifested by much swelling and soreness at the seat of opera- tion. Its treatment consists in opening the wound, with thoroughly clean fingers, and washing it out once or twice daily with an antiseptic fluid. A scirrhous cord is a much more common result of castration. It is manifested by the appearance of a firm, hard swelling at the seat of operation varying in size from a wal- nut to a man's head and usually discharging pus through a small opening. The cause for the appearance of these growths is to be as- cribed in a large measure to three factors: First, making the castration wound too small; second, not extending the castration wound low enough down, thereby prevent- ing drainage; and, third, severing the "cord" too close to the testicle so that the stump protrudes between the lips of the wound. These factors favor the entrance 68 CASTRATION OF BOARS of pus-producing germs, and pus-producing and irritating fungi, especially the "ray fungus," which is also the cause of lumpy jaw in cattle. The result of these scirrhous cords is that the animal becomes unthrifty, and if not treated dies in the course of time as a result thereof. Treatment consists in making an elliptical incision over the enlargement, removing a section of the skin, followed by dissecting the growth loose from surrounding struc- tures and tracing it up on the cord of the testicle until the normal, healthy tissue is reached. It may then be ablated with the ecraseur (Fig. 2). If the growth removed is a large one, it becomes advisable to ap- proximate the edges of the wound with tape stitches. These are to be preferred to or- dinary stitching material because they do not tear out. The animal should be kept in a clean place, and the wound disinfected daily. 69 CHAPTER XI Castration of Figs Affected with Scrotal Rupture SCROTAL rupture is rather a common condition in pigs (Fig. 27). It does not ordinarily interfere seriously with the animal's health, but must be taken into con- sideration at the time of castration. The animal should be placed on its back and held there by an assistant while ether is ad- ministered until anaesthesia is complete. Antiseptic precautions, such as disinfecting Fig. 27. — Pig Affected with Scrotai, Rliptlirf 70 PIGS AFFECTED WITH SCROTAL RUPTURE the field of operation and the operator's hands and sterilization of instruments, must be thorough and complete. The seat of operation is on the inside of the thigh, or where the latter joins the ab- domen (Fig. 28). If this region is care- Pic 28. — The Line Indicates the Peace and Extent of the Premminary Skin Incision in Operating for the Relief of Scrotai REPTLiRE fullv felt with the finger previous to oper- ating, the intestines can be felt passing into an opening in the abdomen; the cord of the testicle passes in at the same opening. An incision about 3 inches long, from be- fore to behind, is made directly over this 71 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS opening and down to the intestines, being careful not to cut into the latter. The in- testines must then be carefully replaced in the abdomen, commencing with that por- tion nearest the opening and gradually pull- ing the remainder out of the scrotum and toward the abdominal opening. After the intestines have been replaced, the cord of the testicle will be in view; by exerting traction on this, the testicle will be brought to the skin incision, where it may be re- moved in the usual manner. The opening through the wall of the abdomen is then closed by several silk stitches placed trans- versely across the opening, and finally the outside skin wound is closed by stitching in a similar manner. The patient may be permitted to recover from the effects of the ether by placing it in a clean pen, where it is to be kept, and fed upon a thin laxative diet, such as a bran slop, for about a week. No after-care is required, as pus forma- tion is rare; the stitches need not be re- moved, as they become encysted or absorbed 72 PIGS AFFECTED WITH SCROTAL RUPTURE in the course of time. In some instances the stitches do not hold permanently and the rupture recurs. 73 CHAPTER XII Castration of Dogs DOGS should be muzzled before the operation, either by applying a regu- lar dog muzzle or a strong piece of tape, as illustrated in Fig. 29. The dog's muzzle should pass through A, the point, B, should be under the jaw, and the two ends, E, should be tied back of the ears. In ad- dition, espe- cially in large dogs, the head and fore limbs should be held by one assistant, while the hind limbs are held by a second. The scrotum should be clipped and disinfected; the operator's hands must be clean, and the 74 Fig. 29. — A Tape oh Rope Doo Muzzle CASTRATION OF DOGS instruments sterilized by placing in boiling water for a few minutes. The neck of the scrotum is then encircled with the fingers of the left hand. With the knife in the right hand, an incision is made over each testicle, and the latter forced out through the in- cisions; they are grasped and severed with the canine emasculator. This instrument is similar to the horse emasculator, only smaller. After-care is not necessary, as the animal licks the wound constantly, healing taking place without complications. 75 CHAPTER XIII Castration of Cats THE problem of control is the most serious one in these animals. It is not so difficult in the thoroughly domes- ticated cat, but an entirely different prop- osition in the untamed one. If possible, the animal should be grasped by the nape of the neck and then rolled in several towels in such a manner that the limbs are firmly applied to the body, but with the scrotal region exposed. In this way the animal may readily be held by an assistant without danger to the operator or his assistant. In the long-haired breeds the scrotal region must be clipped and thoroughly dis- infected; the operator's hands and the in- struments must be surgically clean. These antiseptic precautions are of far greater im- portance than in the dog, because the cat is more subject to infection. The technique of the operation is otherwise similar to that 76 CASTRATION OF CATS in dogs. After-care is, as a rule, not re- quired, because the animal constantly cleans the wound by licking it. n CHAPTER XIV Castration of Male Birds, or Caponizing THE age at which to caponize the cockerel is just before he commences to "comb," or at a time when the male characteristics are becoming more or less well marked (Fig. 30). The bird may be controlled by plac- ing it upon the padded top of a barrel, tying a weighted string to the limbs and an- other around the wings, the weights being dropped over the opposite sides of the barrel (Fig. 31). The instruments required are a knife, Courtesy of Ceo. Beuoy Fig. 30.- -The Proper Size to Caponize 78 CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS, OR CAPONIZING spreader, a sharp and blunt hook and a spoon forceps. These instruments may be purchased in sets from any veterinary in- strument house (Fig. 32). The seat of op- eration is on either the right or left side, and between the two last ribs. The feathers are plucked with a sharp, sudden pull, over the operative area; the surround- ing feathers are moistened to keep them out of the wound. The bird should be starved for 24 hours prior to the operation. An incision is then made, rather high up between the two last ribs (Fig. 33), and about I inch in length. The skin should be pulI'Jd forward at the time of making the in- 7,'//wn through it, so that when the operation 79 Courtesy of Geo. Beuoy' Fig. 31. — A Practical Metho:) OF Controlling a Cockerel for CAPONIZING CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS is completed the skin will resume its normal position, and then the skin wound will not Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fic. 32. — A More Expensive Operating Table. The Necessary Instruments Are Also Shown be immediately over the muscle wound, or the latter will be mechanically closed. Bo CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS, OR CAPOXIZING The jaws of the spreader are inserted (Fig. 34) and opened, and the wound enlarged Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 33. — Indicating the Place of Incision by incising it above and below. With a sharp hook the thin membrane or per- itoneum is torn through (Fig. 35) and the 81 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS intestines pushed aside. The testicles, of a yellowish color and the size of a bean in birds of the proper age, may be seen along each side of the backbone, and just in front of the kidneys (Fig. 36) . Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 34. — Inserting the Spreaders Into the Opening 82 CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS, OR CAPONIZING A large blood vessel passes in the immedi- ate vicinity of these organs. The testicle is to be grasped with the spoon forceps and completely removed Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 35. — Tearing Through the Peritoneum (Fig. 37). Great care must be exercised to avoid injury to the large blood vessel at this time, as otherwise the bird may bleed to death. It necessitates a little tearing of the peritoneum to expose the testicle of the 83 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS opposite side, but it is removed through the same opening (Fig. 38). The bird is released, placed on a soft, spare diet for a day or two, and in about ten days the wound is completely healed. Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 36. — The Testicle Is Shown as a Bright Spot Between the Jaws of the Spreader Another method of operating, rarely adopted in America, is as follows: The preliminary care regarding spare diet and antiseptic precautions is the same as for the 84 CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS, OR CAPONIZING preceding operation. The bird is con- fined on its back and the feathers plucked in front of the anus. A transverse incision about i_;4 inches in length and approx- Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 37. — Removing the Testicle with the Spoon Forceps imatelv three-fourths of an inch in front of the anus is then made through the thin ab- dominal wall. Great care must be adopted to avoid injuring the intestines while mak- ing this incision. The disinfected index 8S CASTRATIOX OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS finger is then introduced in the direction o: the testicle, and after location of the lattei it is loosened with the bent finger, drawr backwards to the incision and cut oflf. Th( second, testicle is removed in a similar man- ner. The abdominal incision is to be closec Courtesy of Kansas Experiment Station Fig. 38. — The Wound After the Operation with several closely placed stitches. The after-care is the same as for the preceding operation. Accidents and sequelae: During the op 86 CASTRATION OF MALE BIRDS, OR CAPONIZING eration, and at the time the testicles are grasped with the spoon forceps, there is great danger of including the large blood vessel in the jaws of the forceps, followed by fatal bleeding. The bird is not a total loss, however, as it is perfectly good for food. Bloating shortly after the operation is an Courtesy of Geo. Beuoy Fig. 39. — A Capon Brooding Chicks occasional sequel. This is rarely of much consequence, and in those instances where it embarrasses the bird many small punc- tures through the skin may be made with a darning needle; this overcomes the trouble very promptly. Failure to dislodge the testicle com- 87 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS pletely, or permitting portions to remain in the abdomen, while it destroys the bird's procreative power, does not always cause it to lose its male characteristics. The prop- erly caponized bird does not crow, the comb stops growing and is of a pale appearance, while the hackle, tail feathers and saddle feathers grow long and silky (Fig. 39). 88 CHAPTER XV RiDGLiNG Castration IN practically all animals the testicles develop, during intra-uterine life, in the abdomen. In some animals, as the elephant, sperm whale, birds, etc., they remain per- manently lodged in the abdomen. In others, amongst them the horse, the testicle has not yet descended into the scrotum at birth, but usually does so before the sixth month of extra-uterine life. In all other domesticated animals the testicle occupies its scrotal position at birth. Occasionally, however, the testicle does not descend as it should and the animal is then spoken of as a ridgling. If one testicle descends, and the other does not, the animal is called a mon- orchid, while if both remain in the abdomen he is spoken of as a cryptorchid. Again, when the testicle or testicles remain in the abdomen the animal is spoken of as a true or abdominal ridgling, and when partially descended or lodged in the inguinal canal 89 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS he is classified as an inguinal ridgling or "high flanker." Failure of the testicle to descend may be due to one of many causes. The testicle may be so enlarged, either physiologically or due to tumor formation, that it cannot pass through the abdominal ring; on the other hand, the abdominal ring may be so small that the very smallest testicle cannot pass through it; adhesion may prevent descent, or shortness of the cord of the tes- ticle may hold up the organ. As a general rule, the retained testicle is smaller than normal, and it has a very soft, flabby feeling; it is usually devoid of liv- ing spermatozoa, though these may be present. If one testicle is down, it is much larger than normal and enjoys full func- tional activity. Ridglings transmit their characteristics to the offspring, and, there- fore, they should not be used for breeding purposes. The ridgling is frequently very vicious, sometimes attacking man, and as a whole is undesirable while in this condition ; therefore they should be castrated. 90 RIDGLING CASTRATION Castration of ridgling horses requires a very intimate acquaintanceship with the anatomy of the parts. Failure to recognize the various anatomical structures as they are encountered is bound to result in the failure of the operation. Instruments required are the same as for a normal castration, though the ecraseur is to be preferred to the emasculator for divid- ing the cord, as frequently the testicle can- not be brought out far enough to use the latter. All instruments must be thoroughly sterilized, by placing them in boiling water for at least half afi hour, previous to the operation. "" The horse is to be given an anaesthetic during the operation. For this purpose general chloroform anaesthesia is undoubt- edly the best, though in general practice lack of qualified assistants makes it more or less impractical. A good practical substi- tute has been found in rectal chloral injec- tions. For this purpose from i^ to 2 ounces of chloral hydrate is to be dissolved in half a gallon of lukewarm water. The 91 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS fo.rmer amount is sufficient for an 800 to 1,200-pound horse. All feces are to be care- fully removed from the rectum. A piece of rubber tubing is then passed into the rectum for a distance of about 2 feet; a funnel is attached to the other end of the hose; the chloral hydrate solution is poured into the funnel and permitted to gravitate into the rectum. In about 15 minutes the animal becomes drowsy, at which time it may be cast. When tying the aninial, after being cast, it is desirable to spread the hind limbs as far apart as possible; the "back tie" may be used for this purpose (Fig. 8). Sufficient spread of the limbs is one of the most im- portant preliminary steps. The animal must be kept on its back during the opera- tion and preferably with its head downhill. The scrotal region must be thoroughly disinfected. This may be accomplished by first scrubbing it with warm water and soap, next rinsing with alcohol to remove all the grease from the skin, and finally painting the operation area with tincture of iodine, 92 RIDGLING CASTRATION In order to prevent flying hair and dirt from contaminating the wound it is well to moisten all neighboring parts; packing the sheath with some absorbent cotton is ad- visable. The operator's hands and arms must be disinfected in the same thorough manner, though a final washing with i to 500 solu- tion of bichloride of mercury may be sub- stituted for the iodine. All preliminary steps having been carried out, an incision is made over the external abdominal ring, and in the same general direction as the ring; it should extend through the skin and subcutaneous tissues ; all bleeding from skin vessels should be controlled. By means of the fingers the loose tissue near the external abdominal ring is to be broken down, and then the hand, with the fingers in the form of a cone, passed into the inguinal canal, and in the general direc- tion of the internal abdominal opening, or toward the angle of the hip. In the canal the operator should constantly be feeling for the testicle or one of its appendages; the 93 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS epididymis, especially, is frequently found here. Failing to find any of these struc- tures we should locate the internal ab- dominal opening. This may be recognized as a thin place, leading into the abdominal cavity, and at the upper extremity of the inguinal canal. In the vast majority of all cases of abdominal cryptorchidism, the epididymis may be felt near the internal ab- dominal ring, and in this case it is to be grasped with a pair of forceps, and the tes- ticle withdrawn. If the epididymis is not found here, then before breaking through the thin membrane covering the internal ring, the thumb and first two fingers are to be pressed against the margin of the internal ring, causing the thin membrane covering it to pouch outward between the fingers, and grasped, search being made for a firm cord about one-eighth inch wide in its substance. This cord is known as the "gubernaculum testis," the function of which is to guide the testicle in its normal descent into the scrotum. This cord extends from the epididymis to the bottom of the scrotum. 94 RIDGLL\G CASTRATION By drawing on the gubernaculum the tes- ticle itself may be brought to the abdominal ring. In some instances the gubernaculum is not found in the position indicated; it then becomes necessary to rupture the thin membrane covering the internal ring, pass- ing the index finger through it, and hooking it around the gubernaculum as the latter leaves the posterior margin of the internal abdominal ring. Failing by all of these methods to locate the testicle, the entire hand may then be passed through the internal abdominal ring into the abdominal cavity. The hand may be directed backward to the upper surface of the urinary bladder, there locating the vas deferens, and following this down to the testicle, or if this is impossible, a general search for the testicle may be made by pass- ing the hand along the abdominal floor or amongst the intestinal convolutions. It is seldom necessary to go to these extreme steps if the operator is familiar with all the de- tails of the operation. When the testicle is located, regardless of the method of loca- 95 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS tion, it is to be brought out through the internal abdominal ring and the cord sec- tioned with the ecraseur. Occasionally the internal ring must be enlarged to permit an unusually large testicle, or one affected with tumor formation, to pass through it. On the other hand, the testicle may be much enlarged as the result of an accumulation of fluid in its interior, in which case it must be punctured with a long, fine canula or hollow needle so that the fluid may escape outward. If the internal ring has been enlarged, there is some danger of intestinal prolapse, and this is to be guarded against by packing the inguinal canal as outlined for a normal castration in a preceding chapter, under the heading "Prolapse of the intestine." (Page 45.) When arising, the side from which the testicle has been removed should be under- most, as the colt then mechanically presses the undermost limb against the body, clos- ing the inguinal canal and thus guarding against intestinal prolapse. After-care consists in keeping the animal inside for a few hours, or until it has recov- 96 RIDGLING CASTRATION ered completely from the anaesthetic. It is then to be turned out into a small grass paddock, where exercise may be indulged in for a week or ten days. Daily rectal tem- peratures are to be taken, as the first indica- tion of peritonitis is a rise in temperature. The sequelae and accidents, and their treatment, are the same as following a normal castration, a description of which has been previously given. (Pages 39-46.) In horses this operation is almost invariably followed by a fatal peritonitis if all anti- septic precautions are not thoroughly and scrupulously carried out. Ridgling castration of bulls, boars, etc. After the horse, bulls and boars are most frequently affected with cryptorchidism. The method of operating is the same in all animals, outside of the horse. The bull is usually operated on in the standing position ; smaller animals are placed on their side. Anaesthetics are seldom resorted to, though from a humane standpoint it is better to give the bull some chloral hydrate, per rectum, using the same methods and dosage as for 97 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS the horse, while boars may be readily and safelyplaced under general ether anaesthesia. The seat of the operation is in the upper flank, either the right or left side (Fig. 40) being selected. The opening into the ab- dominal cavity is made as described in the Fig. 40. — The White Line Indicates the Place of Incision When Operating on a Ridgling Boar chapter on spaying of cattle. (Page 125.) The instruments and operator's hands must be thoroughly cleansed. The hand is introduced into the ab- dominal cavity, being directed toward the internal abdominal ring. As a general rule, the testicle is found close to the ring, but if not found here it can readily be located by 98 RIDGLING CASTRATION feeling amongst the intestinal convolutions for it. On account of the fact that the animal is not confined in a cramped position during the operation these exploratory movements are much more easy to execute than in the horse. Neither is the bull nor boar as susceptible to peritonitis as the horse. The testicle, after it has been located, is brought to the abdominal wound, where the cord may be divided with an ecraseur or emasculator. The wound is to be closed with several stitches, passed completely through the muscles and skin. It is not necessary to include the peritoneum in the sutured area. After-care. In order to protect the wound from flies or other insects, it may be smeared over with tar. The animal may then be turned out into a clean lot or pen. The wound usually heals without complica- tions, though occasionally an abscess will develop in the muscle wound. This should be opened, given proper drainage and washed out daily with a 2% solution of car- bolic acid until all discharge ceases. 99 CHAPTER XVI Castrating Proud THIS is a term frequently used by the layman, without having any definite meaning for him. In a vague way the im- pression has been created that a horse may be so castrated as to retain all the spirit and virility of the entire horse, without the un- desirable features, such as sexual appetite, viciousness, etc. Empirics are largely to blame for this, and they are the only ones that attempt to produce such a condition. Their method of operating is to expose the testicle in the usual way. The testicle is then divided from the cord by cutting through on the dividing line between the testicle and the epididymis; or, in other words, the testicle is removed but the epididy-Tiis remains attached to the cord. The only thing such an operation can possibly perform is to make the animal sterile; otherwise he will have all the de- sirable and undesirable attributes of the lOO CASTRATING PROUD male. An animal "castrated proud" dif- fers in no respect from the uncastrated animal except that it does not secrete sper- matozoa, or the male element, and is there- fore sterile. His sexual desire is undimin- ished and therefore the operation does not accomplish the result it seeks to attain. On the other hand, leaving the cord long may be followed by many undesirable results, such as infection, inflammation, scirrhous cord formation, etc. A more scientific operation, similar in its results to the preceding, is sometimes per- formed on the human criminal. It consists in dividing the vas deferens or the tube that serves as a passageway for the semen, and is known as vasectomy. Such an op- eration can serve no useful purpose in vet- erinary surgical work. lOI CHAPTER XVII Hydrocele or "Water Seed" THIS condition occurs occasionally in the stallion, bull, ram and boar; it has also been observed in the castrated animal of the same species. It is usually due to inflammation of one of the coverings of the testicle, or of the cord of the testicle; it may accompany dropsy in other parts of the body. In the entire animal it causes an enlarge- ment of the scrotum, usually painless and fluctuating; the enlargement is greatest in the most dependent portion of the scrotum. In the castrated animal the symptoms are similar, except the enlargement is not so great. In the latter condition its appear- ance is much the same as though the animal had not been castrated. The greatest difficulty is experienced in distinguishing between this condition, in both the entire and castrated male, and pas- sage of the intestines into the scrotum oi 102 HYDROCELE OR "WATER SEED" scrotal rupture. In hydrocele, the greatest swelling is toward the bottom of the scrotum or where the fluid settles; in rupture the neck of the scrotum is distended as well as the base. Gurgling fluid as a diagnostic feature is of some importance, though it may be fluid in the intestines. A rectal ex- amination frequently gives positive results if the condition is a hernia. Finally, an exploratory opening, with strict antiseptic precautions, may be made with a fine hollow needle in order to determine the exact nature of the trouble. Treatment of hydrocele in the entire animal is rarely successful so long as the testicle is not removed. In valuable breed- ing animals it has been recommended to evacuate the fluid through a hollow needle, with antiseptic precautions, followed by in- jections of a 50% solution of Lugol's solu- tion of iodine. It may be necessary to re- peat this treatment several times. In castrated animals, uncomplicated hy- drocele is treated by making a free incision in the lowest portion of the scrotum, per- 103 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS mitting the fluid to escape, and afterwards washing daily with a 2% watery solution of carbolic acid. 104 CHAPTER XVTII Castration of Females — Surgical Anatomy ORGANS of generation of the mare (Fig. 41). Commencing at the en- trance to the genital organs the following structures are noticed, and in the order named: The vulva. This is a cavity commencing by means of two lips, the latter joined above and below to form the upper and lower com- missures. The lower commissure lodges the clitoris, which is ordinarily invisible, though during heat or immediately follow- ing urination it may be seen protruding from the vulvar opening. This organ corre- sponds to the male penis, and contact of it with the male organ during copulation pro- duces venereal excitement. The vulvar cavity extends forward for a distance of about 6 inches in the mature animal, ter- minating in virgins at the hymen; this lat- ter is a perforate membrane, which becomes 105 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS entirely obliterated following copulation. The excretory opening from the urinary bladder is found on the floor of the vulva, just behind the position of the hymen. ^5ryW^^^^^y^^^-C^^^ Fig. 41. — Schematic Outline of the Generative Organs of the Mare 1. Anus 9. Right cornua or horn 2. Vulva 10. Left ovary 3. Rectum 11. Kidney 4. Vagina 12. Broad ligament h. Opening from bladder 13. Urinary bladder 6. Necic of the uterus or cervix 14. Udder 7. Uterus IS. Vertebral column (backbone) 8. Left cornua or horn Vagina. This is the large cavity w^hich is a direct continuation forward of the io6 CASTRATION OF FEMALES — ANATOMY vulva. Its walls are composed of mucous membrane internally, muscular middle coat, and covered for its greater extent by the peritoneum. The vagina terminates in front in the neck of the womb or cervix. Cervix. This organ projects into the an- terior extremity of the vagina like a tap into a barrel. Its central canal is known as the OS uteri or cervical canal. In virgins the canal is usually tightly closed, except dur- ing heat; following pregnancy it is always slightly dilated, except during subsequent impregnation, when it is closed by a plug of mucus, and during parturition it is widely dilated for the passage of the fetus. Uterus. Another cavity separated from the vagina by the cervix. In its contracted or non-pregnated state it has been likened to a flattened gourd. Its walls are then in close apposition, giving it a flattened ap- pearance and hardly larger than one's hand. During pregnancy it becomes much en- larged, its walls thickened and more vas- cular, with a richer nerve supply. It again becomes smaller following parturition, 107 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS though never attaining its original dimen- sions. Its interior is studded with numer- ous small prolongations, imparting a velvety feeling, and serving for the attachment of the fetal coverings. At its anterior extrem- ity it divides into two prolongations known as uterine cornua or horns. Uterine cornua. These are hollow, tubular structures, having a diameter of about I inch in the mature, non-pregnant female. They are directed forward and upward toward the vertebral column, with their convex border downward and the con- cave border upward. During pregnancy the fetus is contained largely in one of the two cornua, which becomes greatly enlarged as the result thereof ; the non-pregnant horn retains its normal size and shape, appear- ing as if it were an appendage of the gravid horn. After a course of from 6 to lo inches the horns terminate by becoming constricted and are continued by the Fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube. This is a small tube about the size of a goose quill, and having a very small internal caliber. Its opening io8 CASTRATION OF FEMALES— ANATOMY into the horn of the uterus is the ostium uterina, while its anterior opening is the ostium abdominale. This latter is closely applied to the ovary. The ovaries. These bodies are two in number, one for each uterine cornu. They correspond to the male testicle, their func- tion being to secrete the ovum, egg or female element; this they do at regular periods in the healthy female, or at the period of oes- trum, ordinarily called "heat." They are about one-fourth to one-third the size of the male testicle, and resemble it somewhat ir the general shape. They are suspended from the lower surface of the loin, by z broad ligament, which also suspends the uterus and horns; their position is slightly in front of an imaginary line drawn through the animal's body from one hip to the other. Generative organs of the cow. In a gen- eral way similar to those of the mare ; the following are important points of dif- ference : The opening to the urinary bladder is not nearly so distinct as in the mare, though 109 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS having practically the same location; it may be considered to be covered with a fold of mucous membrane or valve. The cervical canal is distinctly tortuous or corkscrew-like in its forward direction, so that it is practically impossible to pass the finger into it. The interior of the uterus is studded with numerous prominences, called cotyledons, the function of which is to hold the fetal coverings during pregnancy. In the gravid uterus these cotyledons vary in size from a hazel nut to a goose egg, being from 80 to 120 in number. The uterine cornua are curved in the op- posite direction from those of the mare, or forward and downward, with the convex border uppermost. The ovaries have practically the same lo- cation as in the mare. In other animals there are no important differences, from the castrator's standpoint, excepting that in both the sow and bitch the body of the uterus is but very slightly de- veloped, while the uterine cornua are very HO CASTRATION OF FEMALES— ANATOMY long, SO that they float freely among the intestinal convolutions; it is necessary to locate the horn before the ovary can be located. THE ABDOMINAL WALL In so far as the ovaries in many animals, when these are spayed, are removed through the wall of the abdomen, the anatomy of this part is discussed, and in particular the structure of that portion of the abdominal wall known as the "upper flank," being an area just in front of the angle of the hip. The structures encountered in this region from without inward are as follows: The skin. From one-eighth to one-fourth inch in thickness, covered with hair, and sometimes containing comparatively large blood vessels which when cut into during spaying may occasion an annoying bleeding. The external oblique or great oblique muscle. Just beneath the skin ; it is entirely composed of muscular fibers in the region of the upper flank, the direction of these fibers being downward and backward. Ill CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS The internal oblique or small oblique muscle. Located beneath the external ob- lique ; it is also muscular in the operative area, but its muscle fibers run downward and forward, or they cross the fibers of the external oblique like the arms of the letter X. Internal to these muscular coats is the parietal peritoneum, or it may be said to form a lining for the internal oblique muscle at this place. The muscles of this region are supplied with blood by a branch of the circumflex iliac artery. The branch is quite large and passes forward transversely across the face of the muscles mentioned. It is sometimes cut through in spaying by the flank method, though the bleeding is not dangerous, and readily controlled by clamping the end of the bleeding vessel with an artery forceps. 112 CHAPTER XIX Spaying the Mare Through the Walls OF the Vagina REMOVAL of the ovaries in the mare is usually performed for the relief of certain. diseased conditions of the genital organs, or to overcome "persistent heat," which makes out of the mare a squealer, kicker, tail switcher, and she may at times be so vicious that she is dangerous to handle. The operation is performed in the stand- Frc. 42. — Mare Properly Confined for Spaying 113 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS ing position, with a twitch applied to the upper lip, preferably in the stocks, and the animal kept from lying down during the operation by bands or other means of sup- port passed under the abdomen (Fig. 42). The animal should be partially anaesthe- tized by injecting into the rectum — thirty minutes before operating — i^ ounces of Fjg. 43. — Scalpel chloral hydrate dissolved in half gallon of lukewarm water. (Described in Chapter XV.) The instruments required are a scalpel (Fig. 43), a spaying ecraseur (Fig. 44), an injection pump (Fig. 45), and rarely a vag- inal speculum (Figs. 46 and 47). Previous to use these instruments must be sterilized by placing them in boiling water for at least 15 minutes. The hot water may then be removed and the instruments covered with a 2% solution of carbolic acid or other suit- able antiseptic. The operator's hands and 114 SPAYING THE MARE THROUGH THE VAGINA Fjc. 45. — An iNjEc- TroN Pump Fig. 44. — Spaying ecraseur Fig. 46.— a Simple Vaginal Speculum 1^5 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS arms must be sterilized by a good scrubbing with soap and water, following this by a rinsing with alcohol to remove the grease from the skin, and then im- mersed in a I to i,ooo solution of bichloride of mercury or other antiseptic. The oper- ator must not contam- inate his hands follow- ing this cleaning by touching objects that have not been steril- ized. The animal's tail should be held or tied over its back during the operation, and an assistant should wash the region of the anus spTulum ^'"■"'"" ^''°"'*'' and vulva with soap and water, and disin- fect the area with some suitable antiseptic. It is unnecessary to introduce antiseptics ii6 Efficient, SPAYING THE MARE THROUGH THE VAGINA into the healthy vagina previous to the op- eration, as it is practically free from danger- ous germs ; on the other hand, such antisep- tic irrigations may induce straining by the mare during the operation, owing to the irritation they set up. Technique of the operation (Fig. 48). /s IvyYl^^Vi^^, ") ]ISS^^ i ^ — U-JiXI 1 n ■ '^ > 'i^.W^ ^ ^ V3, /4 Fig. 48. — Vaginal Spaying. Operator's Hand Passed Through the "Ballooned" Vagina, Grasping Ovary 1. Anus 9. Right cornua or horn 7. Vulva 10. Left ovary 3 Rectum II. Kidney 4, "Ballooned" vagina 12. Broad ligament .•;. Opening from bladder 13. Urinary bladder fi Neclc of the uterus or cervix 14. Udder 7. Uterus 15. Vertebral column (backbona) 8. Left cornua or horn 117 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS The sterilized hand is introduced in the vagina, carrying the scalpel. The vagina of the mare possesses the peculiar physio- logical property of becoming widely dilated or "ballooned" as soon as the hand is in- serted, causing its walls to stand out rigidly against surrounding structures. If this "ballooning" does not take place it may soon be produced by injecting a small quantity of lukewarm 2% solution of bicarbonate of soda. Under no circumstances should the operation be commenced until the "balloon- ing" is thorough and complete. The hand in the vagina searches for the projecting cervix, this being a landmark of some importance. With the scalpel directed forward the wall of the vagina and peri- toneum is punctured an inch or two above the cervix, and slightly to one side of the middle line; this need be only large enough to admit the finger. The knife is dropped to the floor of the vagina, the fingers in- serted into the incision, enlarging the latter until the entire hand can be passed into the abdominal cavity. The hand is passed for- 118 SPAYING THE MARE THROUGH THE VAGINA ward along the upper surface of the uterus and horn, thus leading up to the ovary, or an expert can usually locate the ovary with- out using the uterus and horn as a guide. The located ovary is grasped and pulled back as far as possible; in old mares it may frequently be pulled into the vagina. With the disengaged hand the spaying ecraseur is passed into the vagina, after which the ovary is pushed through the looped chain. An as- sistant should then gradually tighten the latter until the ovary is severed from its attachment; the detached ovary and the ecraseur are permitted to remain in the vagina while the operator locates the second ovary through the same vaginal incision. It is to be severed from its attachment in the same manner as the first ovary. Both the ovaries, the scalpel and the ecraseur are to be removed from the vagina as the operator withdraws his hand. The vaginal wound requires no suturing, as collapse of the walls of the vagina follow- ing the withdrawal of the hand closes the wound mechanically and effectually. 119 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS After-care. The animal is to be tied up for a few hours to prevent lying down, but after the restlessness has subsided it may be turned loose in a box stall. After lo days a return to ordinary labor is advisable. Accidents and sequelce. An accident to be feared is passage of the intestines through the vaginal wound. There are no recorded cases of this occurring, and it is exceedingly rare if the operation is properly performed. Bleeding from the ovarian artery is sel- dom sufficiently severe to cause alarm; old mares with large blood vessels are most dan- gerous subjects in this respect. Careful use of the ecraseur, with slow crushing of blood vessels, entirely overcomes this danger. Straining for a few hours following the operation is in some cases excessive. This may be overcome by having an attendant watch the animal closely, and slapping her or speaking loudly to her. If this fails to have the desired effect, a sedative in the form of iJ/2 ounces of chloral hydrate dis- solved in a half gallon of water may be given, per rectum. 120 Incision of the intestines, and large blood vessels above the vagina. By making the incision through the vaginal wall carefully, afterward enlarging it with the fingers, the danger of cutting into the intestines is largely eliminated. If the vagina is prop- erly "ballooned" and the knife passed straight forward when making the vaginal incision there is no danger of injuring the aorta or other large vessels above the vagina. Peritonitis. This is undoubtedly an after result of spaying in mares that is of the most frequent occurrence, and most often at- tended with fatal results. Symptoms of this condition may come in from three to five days following the operation ; the symptoms and treatment are similar to those already described under the heading of ridgling castration. It is caused by the entrance of infection into the peritoneal cavity. It can be prevented to a large extent by thorough sterilization of instruments and the opera- tor's hands and disinfection of the external genitals. 121 CHAPTER XX Cattle Spaying r\BJECTS. The objects of the opera- vV tion are to lengthen the period of lac- tation, and for this purpose it is best per- formed about three weeks after the third calving, as the largest milk flow is obtained at this time; also to overcome the excite- ment of heat, to correct certain diseases, but principally that the heifer may fatten more readily and that its beef be of a better qual- ity. Cattle may be spayed in one of three ways: First. Through the wall of the vagina. Second. Through the flank with the in- troduction of the hand into the ab- domen. Third. Through the flank without the introduction of the hand into the ab- domen. Cattle spaying through the wall of the vagina. This operation is performed in the same manner as in the mare. It can be 122 CATTLE SPAYING adopted as the proper method in cattle above two years of age, or where the vagina is of a sufficient size to admit the operator's hand. The means of restraint, in- struments required and an- tiseptic precautions are the same as in the mare. The only point of difference be- tween spaying a mare and a cow is that the vagina of the cow does not balloon as readily as that of the mare, and therefore the vaginal speculum (Figs. 46 and 47) must generally be used. The technique of the op- eration, after-care, accidents and sequelae are similar to those in the mare. It may be borne in mind, however, that the cow is not so subject to peritonitis as the mare, and that this disease is therefore comparatively rare. This 123 Fig. 49. — Spayinq Shea 1^8 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS should not cause the operator to abate his antiseptic precautions, however. Cattle spaying through the upper flank with the introduction of the hand into the abdominal cavity. Flank spaying is the method almost universally adopted for young cattle intended for beef purposes and in which the vagina is too small to admit of vaginal spaying. The operation may be performed either in the standing or recum- FiG. so. — Spaying Emasculator bent position. In the standing position the animal should be confined by tying up against a wall or in a chute so that all move- ments are limited and lying down is pre- vented. A "bull leader" in the nose is of value. Either the right or left upper flank may be selected; in young animals it is custom- 124 CATTLE SPAYING ary to operate on the left side, while if this method of operating is adopted in old cattle the right side is preferred, as an immensely large paunch may interfere if the opening is made on the left side. The operative area is in the upper flank, at a point equidistant from the hip bone, from the processes of the backbone, and from the posterior border of the last rib. The hair should be clipped as short as pos- sible in this region for a space of about 6 inches in diameter. The clipped space should be thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water, followed by a rinsing with a 2% solution of carbolic acid. The instruments required are scissors, Miles's castrating knife, curved needles. No. 12 braided silk suture, a needle holder, ar- tery forceps, and either spaying shears (Fig. 49), spaying emasculator (Fig. 50) or spaying ecraseur (Fig. 44). The pref- erence regarding the last three instruments is very largely a matter of individual choice. The ecraseur is the slowest, and at the same time the safest instrument to use, especially 125 CASTRATIOX OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS on old cattle with large ovarian blood ves- sels. The emasculator is preferred by some operators, while the large shears are most frequently employed on account of their ease and rapidity of manipulation; they are safe to use on young animals. All preparatory steps having been com- pleted, an incision about 4 inches long is made through the skin; the incision should commence about 3 or 4 inches below the transverse processes of the vertebra and ex- tend downward for the required distance; this exposes the great oblique muscle, and it is to be incised or preferably torn with the fingers in the direction of its fibers, or ob- liquely downward and backward; immedi- ately beneath is the small oblique, and an opening is made through it in the same way, only obliquely downward and forward, being in the direction of its fibers; the peritoneum may then be picked up, a small opening made in it, which is to be enlarged by tearing. It is not a good plan to attempt to perforate the peritoneum with a vigorous thrust of the fingers, as this always results ia 126 CATTLE SPAYING its tearing loose for a considerable extent from the inner abdominal wall. The left hand and arm are now introduced into the abdominal cavity, the uterus located, using it and the cornua or horns as a guide to the ovaries. The ovary on the opposite side is first grasped, the cutting instrument intro- duced alongside of the arm, and ablated. During this step, care must be exercised to avoid cutting the intestine, an accident es- pecially likely to occur if the sharp-cor- nered spaying shears are used. The first ovary may be held in the hand while the second is found and cut from its attachment. Both ovaries, the cutting in- strument, and the hand are then to be re- moved simultaneously. The peritoneal and muscle wound usually close spontaneously, since they cross each other like the arms of the letter X. The skin wound must be closed with several stitches rather closely placed, and then, especially during the fly season, smeared with tar. Flank spaying of cattle without the intro- duction of the hand into the abdomen^ 127 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS Animals in very thin condition, and not too old may be spayed by this method. It can- not be successfully performed on animals in good or fat condition. The animal should be cast on the left side with the upper hind limb well drawn back. This produces a prominent muscular ridge extending from the angle of the hip to the stifle joint, which is the anterior border of the muscle of the "fascia lata." About 4 inches below the angle of the hip, and along the anterior border of the muscular ridge mentioned, an incision is made about ii4 inches long, entirely through the skin, muscles and peritoneum, and directly into the abdominal cavity. The index finger is passed through this incision, hooked back- ward, catching the anterior border of the broad or suspensory ligament of the uterus. By drawing up on this ligament the uterine cornua and ovary may be brought to the incision. An 8-inch compression forceps is placed around the pedicle of the latter, which may then be cut off with a scissors. The second ovary may be brought into posi- 128 CATTLE SPAYING tion by drawing up on the uterine cornua, which is still held by the compression for- ceps; this is especially true in very thin young animals, though in somewhat fleshier subjects the abdominal wall must be pushed inward forcibly, so that the ovary may be passed through the incision, or it may even be necessary to make an incision on the op- posite side. After the removal of the ovaries the animal may be permitted to rise, as suturing of the wound is not necessary. Accidents and sequel(Z following spaying of cattle. These are much more rare than in the mare. Fatal bleeding may follow the use of the spaying shears on old cattle. It is char- acterized by a rapidly increasing weakness and pallor of the visible mucous membranes, such as those of the eye, mouth, etc. Treat- ment is usually of little avail, as it is noticed too late. The internal administration of about two ounces of fluid extract of ergot, or the subcutaneous use of three to four grains of ergotin may be of value. If time per- mits, the abdominal wound should be re- 129 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS opened, the bleeding vessel searched for and ligated with catgut. Accidental incision of the intestines rarely causes any immediate disturbance, but later symptoms of peritonitis develop, and this is invariably fatal. Abscess formation in the region of the skin wound is rather common. It is due to in- fection during the operation and is rarely serious. It is treated by removing some of the stitches, especially from the lower part of the wound, so as to get good drainage from it. It may be irrigated once daily with a 2% solution of carbolic acid. 130 CHAPTER XXI Castration of the Ewe and the Female Goat THESE animals are but seldom op- erated on for this purpose. When it becomes necessary for the relief of an other- wise incurable disease the flank operation is usually adopted. The technique differs in no respect from that adopted in cows, where the hand is introduced into the ab- domen through a flank incision, except in so far as the size of the animal makes a dif- ference. 131 CHAPTER XXII Castration of Sows SOWS may be castrated any time after they are weaned. The operation was formerly practiced very extensively, but with the advent of better bred animals has fallen into disrepute, so that now it is rarely performed except for the relief or cure of disease. The required instruments are a Miles's cas- trating knife, one-half dozen artery forceps, 6-inch curved scissors, canine emasculator, needle holder, full-curved needle and suture material. The animal maybe spayed either through the right or left upper flank; she is, therefore, placed on her side and re- strained by one or two assistants or placed under ether anesthesia. The latter should be adopted on account of its humaneness, though when a large number of sows are to be operated on, it is seldom resorted to. The operative area is to be shaved and disinfected; the instruments must be steri- 132 CASTRATION OF SOWS lized by placing them in boiling water for lo to 15 minutes; the operator's hands must be disinfected. The abdominal incision is made in the same way, and in the correspondingly same position as in the spaying of cattle by the flank method. In very young animals the fingers only, or in larger sows the entire hand, is passed into the abdominal cavity and the body of the uterus located. Beginners are assisted in finding this structure by passing a probe into it, from the outside, through the vulva and vagina. The uterus located, the hand is passed forward along the long, flexuous horns of the uterus until the ovary is reached. This is brought out through the incision and ablated, artery forceps being placed temporarily around its pedicle; by drawing up on the horn at the incision the body of the uterus, or rather its bifurcation into the two horns, may be brought into place, the opposite horn grasped, traced to the ovary and the latter removed the same as the first ovary. 133 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED AXIMALS After all bleeding has ceased from the ovarian blood vessels, which is usually im- mediately, the artery forceps is removed, the uterine horns returned to the abdomen, and the outside wound closed by passing several stitches through the skin wound. The animals should be kept confined for a few days in clean, sanitary pens, and fed a limited diet. At the end of lo days the stitches are to be removed. Sequelae are rare if the operation has been performed with reasonable care and proper antiseptic precautions. T34- CHAPTER XXIII Castration of Bitches BITCHES are very frequently spayed, not only to prevent and relieve disease, but more especially to overcome procreation and the disagreeable rutting period. This operation is performed at any time after two months of age, though it is ad- visable to avoid if possible those periods when the animal is rutting; bleeding is al- ways more intense when operated on at this time. Instruments required are a small scalpel, a curved probe-pointed bistoury, one-half dozen artery forceps, two bitch-spaying for- ceps, 6-inch curved scissors, canine emascu- lator, probe, needle holder, full curved needle, catgut suture, and about 2 feet of No. 24 silver wire suture. These instru- ments must be sterilized, unless already sterile, as is usually the case with the catgut, by placing them in boiling water for fifteen minutes. CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS The bitch is to be placed under the influ- ce of a general anaesthetic, such as ether ■ other suitable agent (Fig. 51). During e operation she is hung up by the hind nbs, or placed on an inclined operating ble, so as to cause the intestines to gravi- te forward or downward. Fro. 51. — Adminjsterino Ether to a Bitch The place of the incision is on the under rface of the abdomen, exactly on the mid- e line of the latter, and about i inch back the navel. The operative area must be aved and disinfected, and in long-haired eeds the surrounding hair should be 136 CASTRATION OF BITCHES moistened, so that it will not interfere with the operation. It is frequently a good plan to place a piece of dry cotton over the vulva to absorb any urine that may be voided dur- ing the operation and prevent it from con- taminating the wound. The incision is started about i inch back of the navel and carried backward for a dis- tance of an inch or an inch and a half; it should extend through the skin, muscles and peritoneum. In passing the knife through the latter structure great care must be ex- ercised to avoid puncturing the urinary bladder, as this organ when distended with urine frequently hangs directly under the place of incision. In thin bitches the horns of the uterus can readily be seen through the incised abdominal wound, where they may be grasped with the bitch-spaying forceps. If the animal is at all fat it becomes necessary to introduce the disinfected index finger into the abdominal cavity and bring out the uterine horn. When the operator is inex- perienced he may have some difficulty in finding the horn, but this may be largely 137 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS overcome by inserting a long flexible probe into the uterus from the outside through the vulva and vagina; feeling the probe through the uterine wall with the finger in the abdominal cavity serves to identify the organ sought. After thus locating either the right or left uterine cornua it is traced to the ovary, the latter grasped and brought out through the abdominal incision; it is frequently necessary to double the animal up somewhat, flexing the back, as the ovary is so closely attached to the lower surface of the vertebral region that it is impossible to bring it outward without rupturing some structure. Once on the outside the artery forceps is placed around the pedicle of the ovary, and with the scissors the latter and the horn of the ovary loosened from their abdominal attachment. By drawing up on this horn the body of the uterus and the other horn is brought to the incision, and the latter traced to its ovary, when they are also to be freed from their surroundings the same as the first horn and ovary. The op- eration has now progressed to the point 138 CASTRATION OF BITCHES where both the uterine horns, each with an ovary attached at its anterior or lower ex- tremity, are outside the abdominal cavity, being attached only to the body of the uterus. The operation is completed by severing both horns and their attached ovaries with a canine emasculator about i Fig. 52. — Lembert Sutures; These Sutures Should Pass Through THE Two Outside Coats Only; They Must Not Penetrate the In- ternal Coat. inch below the body of the uterus. The stumps are then to be returned to the ab- dominal cavity. The wound is to be closed with both cat- gut and silver wire sutures. The former are deeply placed through the muscular coats so as to bring them into proper apposi- tion; the latter are passed through the skin 139 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS wound only, and since silver wire cannot be knotted, the free ends are to be twisted together. Bandaging is not required. All blood is then to be carefully washed off, and the animal permitted to overcome the effects of the ansesthetic. In about lo days the wire stitches are to be removed, though the catgut stitches are permitted to remain in position, as they are completely absorbed. No other after-care is required. SequelcB and accidents. Prolapse of the omentum and intestines through the wound during the operation is not uncommon if anaesthetization is imperfect. The pro- lapsed mass must not be soiled, it may be rinsed off with a lukewarm 2% boric acid solution, and should be replaced as soon as possible. Puncture of the urinary bladder. This may take place at the time of making the abdominal incision. It may be prevented sometimes by exercising the animal pre- vious to the operation, so that it will void urine, or she may be catheterized. Making only a small incision through the abdominal 140 CASTRATION OF BFrCHES coats close to the navel and extending it backward until of sufficient size with a curved probe-pointed bistoury also over- comes it. Outside of the soiling of the wound with the urine there is no great danger in this Fig. 53. — A Bitch Properly Bandaged Following Spaying accident. As much as possible of the urine should be caused to flow out of the abdomen. The puncture into the bladder is not large and becomes much smaller when the blad- der contracts, when it heals spontaneously. Large incisions into the urinary bladder must be closed with Lembert sutures of catgut (Fig. 52). 141 CASTRATION OF DOxMESTICATED ANIMALS Prolapse of the intestines. When the ab- dominal incision is closed with silk sutures, and no bandage used, the animal soon licks out the stitches, permitting the intestines to drop out, which is rapidly fatal unless im- mediately remedied. It is entirely pre- vented by using the superficial silver wire skin sutures, as the sharp, twisted prongs of the latter keep the animal from licking the part. If silver wire is not employed then a bandage must be used (Fig. 53). Peritonitis. When antiseptic precautions during the operation are grossly neglected peritonitis may set in, usually with a fatal termination. Failure to prevent heat. This is inva- riably due to failure to remove the ovaries completely. The greatest care must be ex- ercised in this respect, as a small remnant of ovarian tissue may be responsible. As advised in a preceding paragraph, it is al- ways a good plan to remove a portion of the horns with the ovaries, as this absolutely prevents conception, though a remnant of ovarian tissue might cause "heat" to appear. 142 CHAPTER XXIV Castration of Hens ^ URGICAL anatomy. In practically ^ all birds only one ovary is present, usually the left one, the right one shrinking away at an early period. This permanent ovary is situated in about the same location as the testicle of the male bird. The yolk of the egg is secreted by the ovary, and on account of the fact that several partially developed yolks are found, the ovary has a more or less lobulated appearance. Passing backward from the ovary is a long, comparatively large tube, which is the oviduct. It is in this oviduct that the yolk of the egg becomes covered with albumen and a shell. The oviduct finally terminates in a short passageway, the cloaca. The cloaca is a common excretory duct or passageway for feces, urine and eggs. Therefore the rectum, as well as the ovi- duct, and other structures terminate in it. Its external opening is the anus. 143 CASTRATION OF DOMESTICATED ANIMALS Caponizing or removal of the ovary is not practiced in hens, as the operation is danger- ous. However, the same object is attained by dividing the oviduct. The bird is placed on its back; the feathers for some distance in front of the anus are plucked. Then about ly^ inches in front of the anus a transverse incision about I inch long is made through the ab- dominal wall. This exposes the rectum, which is pushed aside so as to bring the white oviduct into view. The latter is picked up and cut ofif a short distance from its point of entrance into the cloaca, or it is permissible to remove a section of it. The outside wound is then to be closed with several stitches. After-care consists in keeping the bird confined for a week, feeding only a light diet during this period. 144 INDEX A PAGE Abdominal ring, external 12 Abdominal wall iii Abscess formation 44 Abscess formation following cattle spaying 130 Accidents and sequelas following a ridgling castration — 97 Accidents and sequelae following the caponizing of male birds 86 Accidents and sequels following the spaying of bitches 140 Accidents and sequelae following the spaying of cattle, 123, 124 Accidents and sequels following the spaying ot mares — 120 Accidents of castration 45 After-care following the castration of birds (male) 84 After-care following the castration of boars 67 After-care following the castration of bulls 58 After-care following the castration of cats 77 After-care following the castration of colts 40 After-care following the castration of dogs 75 After-care following the castration of pigs affected with scrotal rupture 72 After-care following the castration of rams 61 After-care following the castration of ridglings 96 After-care of bitches following spaying 140 After-care of cattle following spaying 123 After-care of hens following caponizing 144 After-care of mares following spaying 120 After-care of ridgling bulls, boars, etc 99 After-care of sows following spaying 134 Anaesthesia during ridgling castration 91 Anaisthesia of the bitch 136 Anaesthesia of the mare "4 Anaesthesia of the pig 7° Anatomy of the generative organs of the female 105 Anatomy of the generative organs of the hen 143 Anatomy of the generative organs of the male 6 Anus in hens '43 Appearance of a cryptorchid testicle-- 9° Appearance of a properly caponized bird 88 INDEX PAGE Artery, circumflex iliac 112 Artery, ovarian, bleeding from 120 Artery, spermatic 9 B "Ballooned" vagina 118 Bandaging bitches follovfing spaying 140 Best time to castrate 28 Bitches, castration of 135 Bitch spaying 135 Bitch, uterus of no Bleeding following cattle spaying, treatment of . 129 Bleeding following colt castration 40 Bloating after caponizing male birds 87 Boars, castration of 65 Boar's penis 11 Boars ridglitig, castration of 97 Bones broken 27, 45 Bulls, castration of 52 Bull's penis 11 Bulls ridgling, castration of 97 C Canal, cervical 107 Canal inguinal 12 Caponizing hens 143 Caponizing male birds 78 Casting bulls with a lasso__ 53 Casting bulls with a rope around the body 53 Casting bulls with the "English hobbles" 54 Casting harness, essentials of 26 Casting harness, removal of 37 Casting preparatory to ridgling castration 92 Casting the horse, methods of 1 26 Castrating males, methods of 14 Castrating proud 100 Castration, accidents of 45 Castration fever 42 Castration of birds (male) 78 Castration of bitches 135 Castration of boars 65 Castration of bulls , , 5? 146 INDEX PAGE Castration of cats 76 Castration of cows " ""_!__ 124 Castration of dogs I ~~ y. Castration of ewes and female goats 131 Castration of females 105 Castration of goats 52 Castration of hens " i,. Castration of lambs and rams 59 Castration of pigs affected with scrotal rupture 70 Castration of ridgling boars gy Castration of ridgling bulls 97 Castration of ridglings 89 Castration of sows 1^2 Castration of stallions 25 Castration of stallions affected with scrotal rupture 48 Castration without removal of the testicle 15 Castration with removal of the testicle 17 Castration with the application of clamps 22 Cats, castration of 76 Cats, control of, during castration 76 Cattle spaying 122 Cattle spaying through the flank without introducing the hand 127 Cattle spaying through the upper flank 124 Cattle spaying through the wall of the vagina 122 Causes of cryptorchidism 90 Causes of scirrhous cords in hogs 68 Cervical canal in the cow no Cervical canal in the mare 107 Chloral anassthesia during ridgling castration 92 Circumflex iliac artery 112 Clamps, castrating with 22 Clamps, description of 23 Clamps, method of applying 23 Clamps, objections to the use of 23 Clitoris in the mare 105 Cloaca in hens 143 Cockerels, castration of 78 Control of birds (male) 78 Control of bitches during spaying 136 Control of boars during castration 65 Control of bulls during castration 52 Control of cats during castratio.i 76 H7 INDEX PAce Control of cattle during spaying 123, 128 Control of lambs during castration 59 Control of mares during spaying 113 Cord of the testicle 9 Cord, spermatic 9 Cotyledons in the cow no Covered operation for the relief of scrotal rupture 51 Coverings of the testicle 6 Cow, organ of generation 109 Cremasteric fascia 8 Cremasteric muscle 8 Crushing the cord of the testicle 14, 18 Crushing the testicle 15 Cryptorchid 89 D Dartos 8 Disease, relief of by castration 5 Disinfecting the mare's genitals previous to spaying 116 Disinfection of the scrotum in boars 66 Disinfection of the scrotum in lambs 59 Disinfection of the operator's hands preparatory to ridgling castration 93 Disinfection of the operator's hands previous to mare spaying 114 Disinfection preparatory to ridgling castration 92 Dividing the cord with a hot iron 2i Dogs, castration of 74 Duct, ejaculatory n E Ecraseur, method of using 18 Effects of castration 4 Ejaculatory duct 4 Emasculator, method of using 19 Epididymis 9 European method of caponizing male birds 84 Ewe, castration of 131 Examination of colts previous to castration 30 F Fallopian tubes in the mare 108 Fascia, cremasteric 8 Female genitals, mare 105 Female organs of generatioa, mare 105 Females, castration 105 Females, spaying 105 Fever, castration : 42 148 INDEX PAGE Fibrous tunic 7 Fracture of bones during castration 27, 45 G Genital organs of the mare 105 Genitals of the cow 109 Genitals of the hen .143 Genitals of the mare 105 Goat, female, castration of 131 Goats, castration of 62 Goats, sequelas of castration in 63 Gubernaculum testis 94 H Heat 109 Heat in bitches, failure to prevent 142 Heat persistent 113 Hemorrhage following colt castration 40 Hens, anus in 143 Hens, caponizing 143 Hens, castration of 143 Hens, cloaca in 143 Hens, ovaries in 143 Hens, oviduct in 143 High-flankers 19, 90 History of castration i Holding the head, method of 28 Horns of the uterus in the bitch no Horns of the uterus in the cow no Horns of the uterus in the mare 108 Horns of the uterus in the sow no Horse's penis n Hydrocele 102 Hydrocele, treatment of 103 Hymen in the mare 105 I Incision into the scrotum 33 Infundibuliform fascia 7 Inguinal canal 12 Instruments required for bitch spaying 135 Instruments required for caponizing male birds 78 Instruments required for colt castration 29 Instruments reqrired for fian!< spaying of cattle 125 Instruments required for goat castration 62 Instruments required for marc s aying..- 114 Instruments re-;i:ired for ridgling castration 91 INDEX PAGE Instruments required for spaying sows 132 Instruments, sterilization of 30, 54 Intestinal prolapse in bitches 142 Intestines, incision of 121^ 130 Intestines, prolapse of 46 K "Kickers" 113 L Lambs, method of castrating 59 Ligating the cord 20 Location of the operative area in pigs affected with scrotal rupture 71 Lockjaw 25 M Mare, spaying through the wall of the vagina 113 Method of castrating lambs 59 Method of castrating proud 100 Methods of castrating males 14 Methods of spaying cattle 122 Monorchid 89 Muscle, cremasteric 8 Muscle, external or great oblique m Muscle, internal or small oblique 112 Muzzling dogs 74 N Neck of the womb in the cow 110 Neck of the womb in the mare 107 Non-vascular spermatic cord 9 O Objects of castration 4 Objects of spaying cattle 122 Objects of spaying mares 113 Gistrura 109 Omentum, prolapse of 45 Organs of generation, cow 109 Organs of generation, hen 143 Organs of generation, mare 105 i?o INDEX PAGE Ostium abdominale in the mare 109 Ostium uterina in the mare 109 Os uteri 107 Ovaries in the cow no Ovaries in the hen 143 Ovaries in the mare 109 Oviduct in hens 143 P Parietal peritoneum 7, 112 Passing a string around the cord 17 Penis, boar 11 Penis, bull 11 Penis, horse 11 Peritoneum 6 Peritoneum, parietal 7, 112 Peritonitis in bitches 142 Peritonitis in cattle 123 Peritonitis in mares 121 Peritonitis in stallions 43 Pigs affected with scrotal rupture, castration of 70 Prolapse of the intestines 46, 96 Prolapse of the intestines in bitches 142 Prolapse of the omentum 45 Proud, castrating 100 Puncture of the urinar}' bladder in bitches 140 R Recumbent position during castration 25 Recurrence of scrotal rupture following an operation 51 Restraint of bulls during castration 52 Results of castration 4 Results of scirrhous cord 69 Ridgling boars, castrati-n of 97 Ridgling bulls, castration of 97 Ridgling castration 89 Rupture, scrotal, castration of pigs affected with 70 Rupture, scrotal, castration of stallions affected with 48 S Scirrhous cord in colts — ; 21 Scirrhous cord following the castration of hogs 67, 68 INDEX PAGE Scirrhous cord, results of 69 Scirrhous cord, treatment of in hogs 69 Scraping the cord of the testicle 17 Scrotal rupture in colts 48 Scrotal rupture in pigs and method of castrating 70 Scrotum 8 Scrotum, sterilization of 31, 60 Seminal vesicle 11 Sequelae and accidents of bull castration 58 Sequelae of colt castration 40 Sewing the abdominal wall of bitches 139 Skin, abdominal m Sow, castration of 132 Sow, spaying of 132 Sow, uterus of no Spaying bitches 135 Spaying cattle 122 Spaying cattle through the upper flank 124 Spaying cattle through the wall of the flank without in- troducing the hand 127 Spaying cattle through the wall of the vagina 122 Spaying ewes 131 Spaying female goats 131 Spaying females 105 Spaying mares through the wall of the vagina 113 Spermatic cord 9 Squealers 113 Stallions, castration of 25 Standing position during stallion castration 37 Sterilization of hands 31 Sterilization of the instruments 30, 54 Sterilization of the scrotum 31, 60 Stitching the abdominal wall of bitches 139 Straining following spaying i2o Suturing the abdominal wall of bitches 139 Swelling following colt castration 41 T Tail switchers 113 Tearing away the testicle 17 Technique of bitch spaying 136 Technique of caponizing hens 144 I r2 INDEX r \t;F: Technique of caponizing male birds 79 Technique of castrating boars 66 Technique of castrating bulls 56 Technique of castrating goats 62 Technique of castrating nigs affected with scrotal rup- ture 71 '"echnique of flank spaying in cattle 126 Jechnique of ridgling castration 93 'J'echnique of spaying sows 133 Fechnique of spaying the cow through the wall of the vagina L 123 Technique of spaying the mare through the wall of the vagina 117 Testicle, horse 9 Testicle, removal of 37 Testicle of birds 82 Testicular cord 9 Time, best, to castrate 28 Treatment of bleeding following cattle spaying 129 Treatment of hydrocele 103 Treatment of scirrhous cords in hogs 69 Treatment of water-seed 103 Tubes, Fallopian, in the mare 108 Tunica vaginalis 7 Tunica vaginalis, propria 6 Tunica vaginalis reflexa 6 Twisting the cord of the testicle 15, 19 U Urinary bladder, excretory opening of, in the cow 109 Urinary bladder, excretory oper.ing of, in the mare 106 Urinarv bladder, puncture of, in bitches 140 Uterine cornua in the bitch no Uterine cornua in the cow no Uterine cornua in the mare 108 Uterine cornua in the sow no Uterine horns in the bitch no Uterine horns in the cow no Uterine horns in the mare 108 Uterine horns in the sow no Uterus in the bitch no Uterus in the cow no ■fn INDEX PAGE Uterus in the mare . , 107 Uterus in the sow no V Vagina, mare io6 Vascular spermatic cord 9 Vas deferens 10 Vasectomy loi Vesicle, seminalis 11 Visceral peritoneum 6 Vulva, mare 105 Vulvar cavity, mare 105 W Wall, abdominal in Water-seed, treatment of 103 Womb in the bitch no Womb in the cow no Womb in the mare 107 Womb in the sow no Womb, neck of 107 Womb, neck of in the cow no Wound-fever following castration of boars 68 154 STANDARD BOOKS PUBLISHED BY ORANGE JUDD COMPANY NEW YORK CHICAGO Ashland Building People's Gas Building 315-321 Fourth Avenue 150 Michigan Avenue -4ni) of these books rvill be sent fcj; mail, postpaid, t» anj) part of the moTld, on receipt of catalog price. We arz aboays happ's to correspond with our patrons, and cordially invite them to address us on an^ matter pertaining to rural books. Send for our large illustrated catalog, free on appli- cation. First Principles of Soil Fertility By Alfred Vivian. There is no subject of more vital importance to the farmer than that of the best method of maintaining the fertility of the soil. The very evident decrease in the fertility of those soils which have been under cultivation for a number of years, combined with the increased competition and the advanced price of labor, have convinced the intelligent farmer that the agriculture of the future must be based upon more rational practices than those which have been followed in the past. We have felt for some time that there was a place for a brief, and at the same time comprehensive, treatise on this important subject of Soil Fertility. Professor Vivian's experience as a teacher in the short winter courses has admirably fitted him to present this matter in a popular style. In this little book he has given the gist of the subject in plain language, practically devoid of technical and scientific terms. It is pre-em'.iently a "First Book," and will be found especially valuable to those who desire an introduction to the subject, and who intend to do subse- quent reading. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 265 pages. Cloth. Net, $1.00 The Study of Corn 3y Prof. V. M. Shoesmith. A most helpful book to all farmers and students interested in the selection and im- provement of corn. It is profusely illustrated from- photo- graphs, all of which carry their own story ani' contribute their part in making pictures and text matter & clear, con- cise and interesting study of corn. Illustrated. 5x7 inches, too pages. Cloth, Net. $0.50 Ths Management and Feeding of Cattle By Prof. Thomas Shaw. The place for this book will be at once apparent when it is stated that it is the first book that has ever been written which discusses the man- agement and feeding of cattle, from the birth of the calf until it has fulfilled its mission in life, whether on the block or at the pail. The book is handsomely printed on fine paper, from large, clear type. Fully illustrated. Sj^xS inches. 496 pages. Cloth. ... ... Net, $2.00 The Farmer's Veterinarian By Charles Willia.m Burkktt. This- book abounds in helpful suggestions and valuable information for the most successful treatment of ills and accidents, and disease troubles. A practical treatise on the diseases of farm stock; containing brief and popular advice on the nature, cause and treatment of disease, the common ailments and the care and management of stock when sick. It is profusely illustrated, containing a number of halftone illustrations, and a great many drawings picturing diseases, their symptoms and familiar attitudes assumed by farm animals when affected with disease, and presents, for the first time, a plain, practical and satisfactory guide for farmers who are interested in the.common diseases of the farm. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 288 pages. Cloth. Net, $1.50. First Lessons in Dairying By Hubert E. Van Norman. This splendid little book has been written from a practical point of view, to fill a place in dairy literature long needed. It is designed primarily as a practical guide to successful dairying, an elementary text-book for colleges and for use especially in short-course classes. It embodies underlying principles involved in the handling of milk, delivery to factory, ship- ping station, and the manufacture of butter on the farm. It is written in a simple, popular way, being free from tech- nical terms, and is easily understood by the average farm boy. The book is just the thing for the every-day dairy- man, and should be in the hands of every farmer in the country. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 100 pages. Cloth. Net, $0.50. A Dairy Laboratory Guide By H. E. Ross. While the book is intended primarily for use in the laboratory, it should be of value to the practical dairyman. The time has come when the suc- cessful dairyman must study' his business from a purely scientific point of view, and in this book . the scientific principles, upon which dairy industry is, based, are stated clearly and simply, and wherever it is possible, these prin- ciples are illustrated by practical problems and examples. 90 vf?es*- 5x7 inches. Cloth Net, $0.50 Profitable Stock Raising By Clarence A. Shamel. This book covers fully the principles of breeding and feeding for both fat stock and dairying type. It tells of sheep and mutton raising, hot house Iambs, the swine industry and the horse market. Finally, lie tells of the preparation of stock for the market and how to prepare it so that it will bring a high market price. Live stock is the most important feature of farm life, and statistics show a production far short of the actual requirements. There are many problems to be -faced in the profitable production of stock, and these are fully and comprehensively covered in Mr. Shamel's new book." Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 288 pages. Cloth. Net, $1.50 The Business of Dairying By C. B. Lane. The author of this practical little book is to be congratulated on the successful manner in which he has treated so important a subject. It has been pre- pared for the use of dairy students, producers and handlers of milk, and all who make dairying a business. Its pur- pose is to present in a clear and concise manner various business methods and systems which will help the dairy- man to reap greater profits. This book meets the needs of the average dairy farmer, and if carefully followed will lead to successful dairying. It may also be used as an elementary textbook for colleges, and especially in short- course classes. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 300 pages. Cloth. Net, $1.25 Questions and Answers on Buttermaking By Chas a. Publow. This book is entirely dififerent from the usual type of dairy books, and is undoubtedly in a class by ''tself. The entire subject of butter-making in all its branches has been most thoroughly treated, and many new and important features have been added. The tests for moisture, salt and acid have received special attention, as have also the questions on cream separa- tion, pasteurization, commercial starters, cream ripening, cream overrun, marketing of butter, and creamery man- agement. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 100 pages. Cloth. , Net, $050 Questions and Answers on Milk and Milk Testing By Chas. A. Publow, and Hugh C. Troy. A book that no student in the dairy industry can afford to be without. No other treatise of its kind is available, and no book of its size gives so much practical and useful inforrnation in the study of milk and milk products. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 100 pages. Cloth Net, $0.50 Feeding Farm Animals By Professor Thomas Shaw. This booK is intended alu.e for the student and the farmer. The author has succeeded in giving in regular and orderly sequence, and in language so simple that a child can understand it, the principles that govern the science and practice of feeding farm animals. Professor Shaw is certainly to be congratulated on the successful man- ner in which he has accomplished a most difficult task. His book is unquestionably the most practical work which has ap- peared on the subject of feeding farm animals. Illustrated. 5;/2 X 8 inches. Upward of 500 pages. Cloth. . . . $2.00 Profitable Dairying By C. L. Peck. A practical guide to successful dairy man- agement. The treatment of the entire subject is thoroughly practical, being principally a description of the methods prac- ticed by the author. A specially valuable part of this book consists of a minute description of the far-famed model dairy farm of Rev. J. D. Detrich, near Philadelphia, Pa. On the farm of fifteen acres, which twenty years ago could not main- tain one horse and two cows, there are now kept twenty-seven dairy cattle, in addition to two horses. All the roughage, litter, bedding, etc., necessary for these animals are grown on these fifteen acres, more than most farmers could accomplish on one hundred acres. Illustrated. 5x7 inches. 200 pages. Cloth. . . $0.73 Practical Dairy Bacteriology By Dr. H, W. Conn, of Wesleyan University. A complete exposition of important facts concerning the relation of bac- teria to various problems related to milk. A book for the classroom, laboratory, factory and farm. Equally useful to the teacher, student, factory man and practical dairyman. Fully illustrated with 83 original pictures. 340 pages. Cloth, 5^2 X 8 inches. $1.25 Modern Methods of Testing Milk and Milk Products By L, L. VanSlyke. This is a clear and concise discussion of the approved methods of testing milk and milk products. All the questions involved in t'-e various methods of testing milk and cream are handled with rare skill and yet in so plain a manner that they can be fully understood by all. The book should be in the hands of every dairyman, teacher or student. Illustrated. 214 pages. 5 x 7 incljes Net, $i.oo 021 Soils By Charles William Burkett, Directoi- Kansas Agri- cultural Experiment Station. The most complete and popular work of the kind ever published. As a rule, a book of this sort is dry and uninteresting, but in this case It reads like a novel. The author has put into it his in- dividuality. The story of the properties of the soils, their improvement and management, as well as a discussion of the problems of crop growing and crop feeding, make this book equally valuable to the farmer, student and teacher. Illustrated. 303 pages. 5^x8 inches. Cloth. . Net, $1.25 Weeds of the Farm Garden By L. H. Pammel. The enormous losses, amounting to several hundred million dollars annually in the United States, causpd by weeds stimulate us to adopt a better system of agriculture. The weed question is, therefore, a must important and vital one for American farmers. This treatise will enable the farmer to treat his field to remove weeds. The book is profusely illustrated by photo- graphs and drawings made expressly for this work, and will prove invaluable to every farmer, land owner, gar- dener and park superintendent. 5x7 inches. 300 pages. Cloth Net, $1.50 Farm Machinery and Farm Motors By J. B. Davidson and L. W. Chase. Farm Machinery and Farm Motors is the first American book published on the subject of Farm Machinery since that written by J. J. Thomas in 1867. This was before the development of many of tlie more important farm machines, and the general application of power to the work of the farm. Modern farm machinery is indispensable in present-day farming operations, and a practical book like Farm Ma- chinery and Farm Motors will fill a much-felt need. The book has been written from lectures used by the authors before their classes for several years, and which were pre- pared from practical experience and a thorough review of the literature pertaining to the subject. Although written primarily as a text-book, it is equally useful for the prac- tical farmer. Profusely illustrated. S>4x8 inches. 520 pages. Cloth Net, $2.00 The Book of Wheat By P. T. Dondlinger. This book comprises a complete study of everything pertaining to wheat. It is- the work of a student of economic as well as agricultural condi- tions, well fitted by the broad experience in both practical and theoretical lines to tell the whole story in a condensed form. It is designed for the farmer, the teacher; and -the student as well. Illustrated. Sj^xS inches. 370 pages. Cloth Net, $2.00 (4) The Cereals in America By Thomas F. Hunt, M.S., D.Agri.. Professor of Agron- omy, Cornell University. If you raise iive acres of any kind of grain you cannot afford to be without this book. It is in every way the best book on the subject that has ever been written. It treats of the cultivation and improvement of every grain crop raised in America in a thoroughly practical ana accurate manner. The subject-matter includes a comprehen- sive and succinct treatise of wheat, maize, oats, barley, rye, rice, sorghum (kafir corn) and buckwheat, as related particu- larly to American conditions. First-hand knowledge has been the policy of the author in his work, and every crop treated is presented in the light of individual study of the plant. If you have this book you have the latest and best that has been written upon the subject. Illustrated. 450 pages. SJ4x8 inches. Cloth $1 75 The Forage and Fiber Crops in America .' By Thomas F. Hunt. This book is exactly what its title indicates. It is indispensable to the farmer, student and teacher who wishes all the latest and most important informa- tion on the subject of forage and fiber crops. Like its famous companion, "The Cereals in America," by the same author, it treats of the cultivation and improvement of every one of the forage and fiber crops. With this book in hand, you have the latest and most up-to-date information available. Illus- trated. 428 pages. S}4x8 inches. Cloth. . . , $1 75 The Book of Alfalfa History, Cultivation and Merits. Its Uses as a Forage and Fertilizer. The appearance of the Hon. F. D. Coburn's little book on Alfalfa a few years ago has been a profit revela- tion to thousands of farmers throughout the country, and the increasing demand for still more information on the subject has induced the author to prepare the present volume, which is by far the most authoritative, complete and valuable work on this forage crop published anywhere. It is printed on fine paper and illustrated with many full-page photographs that were taken with the especial view of their relation to the text. 336 pages. 65^ x 9 inches. Bound in cloth, with gold stamp- ing. It is unquestionably the handsomest agricultural refer- ence book that has ever been issued. Price, postpaid, . $2.00 Clean Milk By S. D. Belcher, M.D. In this book the author sets forth practical methods for the exclusion of bacteria from milk, and how to prevent contamination of milk from the stable to the consumer. Illustrated. 5,_ x 7 inches. 146 pages. Cloth ... $1 00 Farm Grasses of the United States of America By William Jasper Spillman. A practical treatise on tlie grass crop, seeding and management of meadows and pastures, description of the best varieties, the seed and its impurities, ?ras-.es for special conditions, lawns and lawn grasses, etc., etc. In preparing this volume the author's object has been to present, in connected form, the main facts con- cerning the grasses grown on American farms. Every phase of the subject is viewed from the farmer's standpoint. Illus- trated. 248 pages. 5x7 inches. Cloth $1.00 The Book of Corn By Herbert Mvrick, assisted by A. D. Shambia, E. A. Burnett, Albert W. Fulton, B. \V. Snow, and other most capable specialists. A complete treatise on the culture, mar- keting and uses of maize in America and elsewhere for farmers, dealers and others. Illustrated. 372 pages. 5x7 inches. Cloth $1.50 The Hop — Its Culture and Care, Marketing and Manufacture By Herbert Myrick. A practical handbook on the most approved methods in growing, harvesting, curing and sell' .g hops, and on the use and manufacture of hops. The result oi years of research and observation, it is a volume destined to be an authority on this crop for many years to come. It takes up every detail from preparing the soil and laying out the yard, to curing and selling the crop. Every line represents the ripest judgment and experience of experts. Size, 5x8; pages, 300; illustrations, nearly 150; bound in cloth and gold; price, postpaid, $1.50 Tobacco Leaf By J. B. KiLLEBREW and Herbert Myrick. Its Culture and Cure, Marketing and Manufacture. A practical handbook on the most approved methods in growing, harvesting, curing, packing and selling tobacco, with an account of the opera- tions in every department of tobacco manufacture. The contents of this book are based on actual experiments in field, curing barn, packing house, factory and laboratory. It is the only work of the kind in existence, and is destined to be the standard practical and scientific authority on the whole sub- ject of tobacco for many years. 506 pages and 150 original engravings, 5x7 inches Cloth. . $?'K>