DOUBLE SUBCUTANEOUS TORSION IN CATTLE.
Position of the testicles and ligature en masse of the bags when the operation is finished.
To accomplish this both testicles are firmly seized with both hands, and pressed upwards as far as possible against the inguinal ring ([Fig. 21]). It is necessary to be very careful to ascertain that they rest on the same level, in order to be secure against the possibility of untwisting. The ligature is then applied by passing three or four turns of it around the scrotal envelopes, immediately below the testicles, with not more than a sufficient degree of tightness to assure it against slipping off.
The symptoms which succeed the operation are not commonly of a very serious nature, and subside within a period of time varying from two to six hours. Following the operation an inflammatory swelling takes place in the bags, and after one or two days assumes large dimensions. The ligature can now be removed, and the animal left to himself, without further treatment, the testicles undergoing a slow process of atrophy readily recognized by their appearance and the position they always thereafter occupy in the vaginal sac.
CASTRATION OF CRIPTORCHIDS.
The abnormal development of animals in which the testicles have failed to make their appearance by descending through the inguinal canal into the bags, is quite commonly met with in solipeds, the animal being then known by the designation of ridglings or originals. The position assumed by the organ in relation to its normal situation being so altered that it may be found either partly engaged in the inguinal canal ([Fig. 22]), or only remaining close to its superior opening ([Fig. 23]), is one of these inequalities, constituting what is called inguinal criptorchidy; another being when it remains floating in or adherent to some parts of the abdominal cavity—a condition known as abdominal criptorchidy ([Fig. 24]). As this condition has usually a peculiar effect on the temper of the animal so affected, often rendering him unfit for general use, it necessitates, on that account, the act of castration, with some changes in the manipulations described for the operation upon animals exempt from such an infirmity. In these cases the operation presents more difficulties, and is of a more serious character than the former, demanding on the part of the operator all the skill and knowledge which can be acquired from its frequent performance and extensive study. That the operation is one which is largely performed on the Continent there is no doubt, and many European operators have made for themselves an extensive reputation in connection with it. Among these the name of Professor Degives, of the Brussels school, merits mention.
Fig. 22.
TESTICLE ENGAGED IN THE INGUINAL RING.
