Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swine

by G. Moussu; Jno. A. W. Dollar

First stage. Puncture of the vagina.

Second stage. Finding and securing the ovaries.

Third stage. Ablation.

The hand is smeared with sterilised oil, and, grasping the ovariotome, is passed into the vagina, which contracts on it and on the forearm. Within a short time, however, which may vary between two or three minutes and a quarter of an hour, the vagina becomes distended and its walls rigid, so that the operator is able to continue his manipulations more easily. This is the moment for effecting puncture, after an examination of the pelvic organs through the vaginal walls.

The blade of the ovariotome is advanced until fully exposed, and the point is brought directly above the neck of the uterus, about ¾ to 1¼ inches from it. By a sharp movement the instrument is then thrust directly forward, dividing the wall of the vagina in the median line.

The blade is next retracted into its sheath and the instrument dropped on to the floor of the vagina. The right index finger is at once passed through the orifice so made into the peritoneal cavity, in order to make certain that all the membranes have been divided. By pressing on and slightly tearing the tissues the middle finger is then introduced alongside the index. Only these two fingers should be passed into the peritoneal cavity.

In order to secure the ovaries it then suffices (Fig. 321) to thrust forward the base of the vagina, allowing the two fingers to glide over the body of the uterus and thence downward over its side to the point where the horns of the uterus originate. Here the fingers meet the ovary, which is readily recognisable on account of its size and shape (those of a walnut). The gland is nipped between the index and middle fingers, and is drawn into the vagina through the operative opening.

Fig. 320.—Castration of the cow. First phase.

In order to remove the ovary the operator seizes the écraseur with the left hand, a loop of chain about an inch long projecting, and slides the instrument along his right forearm. The arm must be retained in the vagina, the fingers grasping the ovary. The organ is slipped into the loop of the écraseur, which is then manipulated with the left hand until the pedicle is divided. To prevent hæmorrhage the screw of the écraseur should only be turned at the rate of about twice a minute. The ovary when separated is left on the floor of the vagina, the fingers being again introduced into the abdominal cavity to secure the second one. This is removed in precisely the same way.