The bladder that has been relieved, may require the care of the surgeon a second time; but no officiousness should be indulged in that respect. Let the necessity be present before the operation is resorted to; and the need for its adoption can be so accurately ascertained, that there is no excuse whatever for needless interference. The operation is attended with no immediate danger or subsequent ill consequences, that I am aware of; but it is particularly recommended by the fact, that in the dog it is not accompanied with that pain, which in man usually provokes exclamation, sometimes causes fainting, and not unfrequently induces irritability of the membrane lining the canal.
The testicles are occasionally the sources of annoyance to the proprietor. In one instance a high-bred dog was sold, the person who bought the animal making the purchase with a view to breeding from it. Disappointment followed, for no sexual desire could be excited; and as a stock-dog, the beast was useless. An examination was then made, and the scrotum was discovered to contain no glands.
A most infamous fraud was now accused against him who had sold the dog; and as dog-dealers are not so respectable, and are almost as little credited as horse-dealers, any charge imputing dishonesty required no evidence to substantiate it. An infamous villain was convicted of having castrated the dog before he parted with it, in order that a valuable strain might not be rendered common. This same dog was brought to me. I could detect no testicles, and I could perceive no cicatrix. The body was fat and the disposition sluggish, but the frame well developed. It was possible the scar, if the operation had been performed early, should have disappeared: and there are means practised by which the testicles can be in a great measure destroyed without making an incision. Here, however, there was nothing to denote they had been present; or evidence to show they had been removed. I could by manipulation discover no bodies in the inguinal canals. Under the circumstances, I was unable to give a positive opinion; but I leant to the idea that the appearances resulted from defective conformation.
My indecision exposed me to some remarks at the time; for the veterinary surgeon is never permitted to doubt. Ignorance is the only reason the majority of his patrons can conceive to account for his deliberation. A year subsequent, however, the dog died; and the body was then brought to me, in order that the point might be decided. I found both glands, which were not larger than they should have been at birth, within the abdomen, whence they never had descended.
It is very common to find small dogs, especially spaniels and terriers, with only one testicle in the scrotum; but in the larger number of such cases the other can be detected, though it will be of small size, within the canal. Animals in this condition are quite capable of being used as stock-dogs, and are for such purposes as certain, as those more perfectly formed. Of this I have had repeated proofs; and, consequently, the absence of one gland is not to be viewed as a serious defect; though I do not know that it can be regarded in the light of a recommendation. Speaking from observation, and bringing the results of positive experience to bear upon my opinion, I may assert, that in diminutive dogs—animals intended only to be esteemed as "toys,"—the absence of one testicle is not of the slightest import; though, in the larger breeds intended for actual work, I should by no means be inclined so to regard it.
The testicles are also subject to enlarge and become hard, more than is natural. In that state they most frequently are devoid of sensation; though sometimes, but rarely, they are unnaturally tender. The size and degree of feeling may be the only indications; but generally the scrotum is at the same time thickened, and exhibits an alteration in structure.
Blaine speaks of castration under such circumstances. I have hitherto abstained from direct interference. Notwithstanding the alteration, which has been obvious, I have, beyond daily rubbing in the ointment, containing camphor and mercury, resorted to no topical application. In one instance I employed an unguent, containing iodine; but it was ultimately discontinued, from a conviction that it was in its operation injurious, seeming to produce effects the opposite of those desired. The food, however, I alter; and by gentle aperients I endeavor to regulate the bowels. A course of the iodide of potassium I have likewise adopted, and can with confidence recommend. Alterative doses only should be administered; and the drug ought to be continued for three months at least. If prepared in the following form, it will not perhaps be readily swallowed up, but the animal will very seldom violently resist its administration:—
| Simple syrup | Two ounces. |
| Water | Six ounces. |
| Iodide of potassium | Fifteen grains to one drachm. |
Dose, one drachm, or a teaspoonful thrice daily
The quantity ordered contains from a quarter of a grain to a grain of the iodide; and, if there be motive for desiring it should be exhibited in substance, the like amounts may be made into pills with conserve of roses, and a little powdered liquorice. The form is of little importance; but I prefer the fluid, because I have found that the animal can, with no great trouble or vast tax upon ingenuity, be brought to accept it readily; and with dogs, as with children, we gain by convincing them we are practising no deception. These creatures possess remarkable discernment: it is astonishing how long the doubt, when once excited, will act upon the canine mind. A pill, for this reason, is better pushed down the throat than presented in meat; for the imposition, being once detected, will for a long time subsequent to it be suspected. It is, therefore, best to proceed openly and without fear. So strong is my impression that dogs have a general comprehension of the meaning of sounds, that when I have medicines to give, I always address them, saying, "Come and take your physic." Some will do as they are ordered; but others are less obedient. I have met with none (save clump-headed spaniels—which of all dogs are the very worst behaved) that were not to be subjected. Frankness and determination operate wonderfully on these occasions. The animal soon learns it must submit, and quickly ascertains you have no desire to hurt it. The natural and beautiful confidence the brute reposes in man is thus appealed to, and it is surely wise not to tamper with so noble a feeling. With dogs be resolute and straightforward; have no sense of fear, and have no desire for deceit. Call upon the innate submissiveness of the creature, and claim its obedience as a right. The amiable brute will respond to such appeals; as the struggles which result from weakness operating upon sensibility will originate confusion, and provoke those bites which are not maliciously aimed, but intended for self-defence.