In this mode of operating, principally in vogue in the southern parts of France, the position of the testicle is so changed that its lower extremity is made to take the place of the upper, the cord is subjected to a certain degree of torsion, and then the testicle is restored to its normal position, to undergo a process of atrophy which destroys its power of secretion by a physiological action. The great length of the cord and the greater laxity of the cellular tissue situated between the dartos and the fibrous coat, render this operation much easier in the ruminants than in the solipeds. Simple in its manipulations, although still involving a certain degree of dexterity, and followed by comparatively no symptoms of reactive fever, the only instrument necessary for its performance is a piece of cord, twine, or rubber, sufficiently strong to secure the testicular envelopes when the gland has been subjected to the double displacement, and the cord to the torsion it has undergone. In this operation, no special preparation being demanded, the animal is usually treated on his feet.
The late Mr. Serres, of the veterinary school of Toulouse, divides the operation into four steps, viz., first, the softening of the bags and separation of the dartos from the fibrous tissue; second, the displacement (dislocation) of the testicle; third, the torsion of the cord; and fourth, the pushing up of the testicles into the inguinal region, with the application of the ligature to keep them in place.
Fig. 16 (A).
DOUBLE SUBCUTANEOUS TORSION IN CATTLE.
Softening the bags—first position of the hands.
Fig. 16 (B).
DOUBLE SUBCUTANEOUS TORSION IN CATTLE.
Softening of the bags—second position of the hands.