[Larger illustration].

This method of castration has been modified in many ways, both as to the forms of the instruments used, and the mode of using them, a majority of operators, at the present time even, discarding the dilator, and making the incision simply by stretching the walls of the vagina and pushing against the neck of the uterus with the hand. The manner in which the removal of the ovaries is effected has also been subjected to many changes. For more than twenty years, during which we have been performing the operation, we have been accustomed to use the ecraseur in the last step, and with excellent and satisfactory results.

The subsequent attention required by the spayed cow is usually a very simple matter, and involves little beyond careful dieting, the patient recovering from the general effects upon the system usually in a few days.

COMPLICATIONS.

It may properly be said that there are no complications likely to follow the process in the castration of cows, which may be denominated serious. In the statistics which record the mortality attending it, the fatal cases are represented at the very trifling rate of two per cent. A light colic may sometimes follow it, but it usually subsides without medical treatment. Still, however, spaying may at times be accompanied by accidents of a serious character, though these have considerably diminished in frequency since the introduction of the method of Charlier. One of these is

HEMORRHAGE,

which may occur when the torsion or the crushing of the artery has not been sufficiently complete. But though it is likely to give rise to peritonitis, it is not necessarily a fatal complication. We have ourselves known of cases of its occurrence in mares which had survived it a number of days, and when destroyed exhibited none of the lesions of that affection.

PERITONITIS.

We have several times met with this sequel to the operation, especially in mares. But in these cases, as revealed by post mortem investigation, the disease seemed generally to have remained localized. Less common than prior to the practice of castration per vagina, it still is followed by fatal consequences when the entire peritoneum becomes diseased. Its appearance usually occurs from the third to the sixth day. There is suspension of the milky secretion, general dullness, chills, anorexia, suspension of rumination, rapid, small and thready pulse, sometimes painful respiration, rapid loss of flesh, and speedily—death. The indications of treatment are similar to those which are applicable to peritonitis in the solipeds, but the prognosis is always serious.

ABSCESS IN THE PELVIC CAVITY.