Fig. 324.
In practice, in order to avoid the cutting and irritant effect of such sutures and to increase their efficiency, two rectangular pieces of leather are applied on either side through holes in which the actual metallic sutures are passed. West’s vulval clamp is better than sutures. It is very popular in England.
TRUSSES.
Trusses applied for the purpose of preventing prolapsus of the genital organs are now almost entirely given up, as they very imperfectly achieve their object.
Lund’s truss, shown in the illustration (Fig. 325), is perhaps the most efficient of those which survive. The essential portion of this is of metal, and is approximately of the shape of the letter “V.” The two ends may be separated and drawn together at will by means of a cord. This apparatus is held in contact with the vulva by means of strings which pass through eyes in the metallic triangle and are secured to a collar placed on the neck or to a girth secured round the chest.
Fig. 325.—Lund’s truss.
SECTION OF THE SPHINCTER OF THE TEAT.
This operation is performed to render easily pervious the ends of teats which have undergone contraction as a consequence of changes in the sphincter or from some other cause.
The animals are secured, and the teat to be operated on having been grasped between the index finger and thumb of the left hand, the point of the little cutting instrument shown in Fig. 326 is introduced into the opening of the teat, and it is then thrust in as far as the shoulder on the cutting edges.