CHARLIER’S METHOD—INSTRUMENTS.
For this operation special instruments are required. These consist of, first, a vaginal dilator ([Fig. 29]), or speculum, of peculiar and somewhat complicated construction, to be modified subsequently by another ([Fig 30]), of superior form and easier of application, and now in general use; second, a bistoury caché ([Fig. 31]), sliding on its handles, which is a true embryotomy knife, modified by Colin ([Fig. 32]); third, a pair of long, sharp scissors ([Fig. 33]), with guarded blades, curved on its flat surface; fourth, a torsion forceps ([Fig. 34]), closed by a peculiar thread arrangement, moved by the handle; and fifth, a steel thimble ([Fig. 35]), which has been modified by the instrument shown in [Fig. 36], and which is used in applying the limited torsion on the broad ligaments.
Fig. 33.
SCISSORS TO DIVIDE THE BROAD LIGAMENT.
Fig. 34.
FORCEPS FOR CASTRATION OF COWS.
Fig. 35.—Thimble for Castration.
Fig. 36.—Colin’s Nippers, to take the place of the thimble.
Preparation of the animal.—No general preparation is required, except one, which may be regarded as of local effect, but is not to be overlooked. This consists in the evacuation of the bowels by means of a rectal injection, in order that the arms of the surgeon may not become unnecessarily soiled during the operation. The animal is secured on her feet by being placed in a narrow stall to prevent her from moving from side to side, the floor of the stall having an inclination forwards, in order to prevent the pressure by gravitation of the intestinal mass towards the posterior parts of the abdomen.
The operation is completed in two steps, of which the first is the incision of the vagina, and the second the extirpation of the ovaries.