The testicles are grasped each in turn with the left hand, whilst with the right they are exposed by a single sweep of the bistoury. The testicles are removed by torsion with artery forceps. Many laymen simply use the hands, the cord being grasped between the left thumb and index finger, whilst torsion is effected by the right index finger thrust between the vas deferens and the body of the testicle.
CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHIDS.
Cryptorchids are very rare amongst cattle and sheep, as the testicles enter the scrotum during intra-uterine life. The internal inguinal ring in the pig being of very small size, the condition is more common in that animal.
The same process is employed in castrating cryptorchid bulls, rams, or boars. The animal is thrown on one side and securely fixed. A vertical incision is made in the region of the flank, varying in length from 4 to 5 inches in the bull, 2 to 2½ inches in the ram, and 4 to 5 inches in the pig. The abdominal cavity is examined, the testicle found, and a ligature applied to the cord, after which the testicle is removed.
Another method consists in employing the écraseur for division of the cord.
To avoid subsequent complications antiseptic precautions should be taken.
Complications after Castration.—Whatever the method employed, swelling of a more or less abundant character always develops during the few days immediately succeeding the operation. It is, however, of little importance.
Should antiseptic precautions be neglected, suppuration, septicæmia, tetanus, and sometimes scirrhous cord may follow.
FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS.
Examination with the Speculum.—In the cow certain diseases of the vagina, bladder, neck of the uterus, and even of the uterus itself, may necessitate visual examination in addition to the manual examination commonly employed. Under such circumstances a special speculum is introduced in a closed condition, being afterwards opened and dilated to the required extent.