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ANIMAL
CASTRATION.

A. LIAUTARD, M.D., H.F.R.C.V.S.,

Professor of Anatomy, Operative Surgery and Sanitary Medicine to the American Veterinary College, New York,
Foreign Corresponding Member of the Société Centrale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Paris,
Member of the Société Vétérinaire d’Alsace-Lorraine,
Member of the Société Vétérinaire Pratique, Paris,
Member of the U. S. Veterinary Medical Association,
Etc., etc.

With Forty-four Plates embodied in the Text.

NEW YORK
WILLIAM R. JENKINS
VETERINARY PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER
850 Sixth Avenue
LONDON: BALLIÈRE, TINDALL & COX
1884

Press of W. R. Jenkins,
860 Sixth Ave., N. Y.

TO
HENRY BOULEY,
Member of the Institute of Paris,

This little practical work is respectfully dedicated in testimony of the continued esteem and respectful remembrance of one who was fortunate in being numbered among his former students, by

The Author.

INTRODUCTION.

In presenting this concise treatise upon castration of the domestic animals, it is not intended to offer new modes of operation, but merely to collect together the various methods in use and leave the reader to appreciate them at their value. It is a work which, it is believed, has not yet been done in English veterinary literature, and on this account it is hoped will prove of interest and use to those engaged in that specialty of veterinary surgery.

In gathering the material, advantage has been taken of several of the most recent works of French and German writers on the subject, and plates have been obtained from the original and excellent wood cuts of Zundel, and Peuch, and Toussaint.

In presenting this volume to the indulgence of veterinarians, it is with pleasure that the author acknowledges and offers his sincere thanks to Dr. Holt for the great assistance he has kindly given in revising the manuscript.

The Author.

Animal Castration.

ANIMAL CASTRATION.

CHAPTER I.

DEFINITION — ITS VARIOUS PURPOSES — AN OLD OPERATION — ITS HISTORY — CASTRATION OF NECESSITY — CASTRATION OF FASHION AND CONVENIENCE — ITS EFFECTS — UPON THE GENERAL ORGANISM — UPON SOME SPECIAL FUNCTION — UPON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANIMAL — AGE AT WHICH IT OUGHT TO BE PERFORMED — SEASON MOST FAVORABLE — PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT — MODES OF RESTRAINT — CASTING — STANDING UP — ANATOMY OF THE PARTS.

Of all the operations pertaining to the domain of Veterinary Surgery, without doubt the practitioner is most frequently called upon to perform—more especially in breeding districts—that of castration, the destruction or removal of the essential organs of generation in our domesticated animals. It is, however, not nearly so often resorted to for purely surgical reasons as for purposes closely related to questions of agricultural and industrial economy, by reason of its effect upon the individuals of the various species of animals subjected to it, in order to improve their value and increase their usefulness to mankind. And that this is its practical effect is no modern discovery. As far back in antiquity as seven centuries preceding the Christian era, it was known and practised upon various animals. Of this we may find ample historical proof in the writings of Roman, Greek, and Oriental authors, where specific mention appears of the various methods employed, including the processes of excision, of crushing and of tearing. Even the castration of females was known to our less remote ancestors, the Danes having in the sixteenth century performed it on sheep, swine, cows, and even mares. The spaying of cows, however, seems to have been forgotten about the beginning of the present century, and it was not until the year 1831 that Thomas Winn, of Natchez (Louisiana), and afterwards Levrat (of Lausanne), brought it to the attention of veterinarians, as a means for the improvement of the milky secretion in cows.

The operation may be considered under two distinct heads. Under the first it is to be considered as one of necessity, as when performed with a therapeutic object in view; as, for example, when it constitutes one of the first steps involved in the surgical treatment of strangulated hernia, or of diseased conditions of the testicles or ovaries, such as orchitis, epididymitis, sarcocele, hydrocele, cyst, etc. In the other case it is resorted to for reasons of mere fashion and convenience, and has for its object the production of such a modification of the general organism as shall increase the adaptedness of the animals subjected to it to the uses to which they are applied; when, of course, the economic becomes the paramount and exclusive reason for thus interfering with the obvious creative purpose. It is the operation as performed under this general heading that we shall now principally consider.

In relation to this latter object it must be borne in mind that the operation is followed by certain peculiar effects, which may either manifest themselves upon the entire organism, or upon some special functions only. In the first instance it is quite evident that the primary and most obvious effect of the mutilation is to be discovered in the character and disposition of the animal, which at once becomes in a double sense an “altered” creature, docile and submissive, and entirely willing to become the obedient and useful servant of his human master. But it is not alone that we find the vicious stallion, the uncontrollable bull, the kicking jackass, the dangerous boar, and even the hysteric mare and cow transformed into the useful gelding, the quiet ox, the patient donkey, and the “fatherly” barrow, the quiet working mare and the productive cow, as the result of the change which the character—the nervous system, in fact—has undergone. Besides this, other marked changes are to be observed of a more distinctly physical character, such as a modification of the entire organism, manifested in the external symmetry, and the expressive physiognomy of the creature, when deprived of its virility.

The animal becomes more quiet, and its general form is modified. If altered at an early age, the skeleton will be arrested in its growth, and the mass of muscles attached to it will participate in the defective development; the head will become elongated, the legs will continue to be lighter, and the body will show a corresponding lack of development. In other words, the male animal will tend to assume the characters of the female, in form and feature, the gelding, indeed, resembling the mare, not only in the ensemble of his appearance, but in his voice, which loses the resonance of the stallion’s, and his physiognomy, which becomes milder and less expressive; while his neck is lighter and his mane more scanty, with the hairs which compose it more fine and silky.

A like tendency exists in other male animals to acquire a resemblance to the female as an effect of the operation of castration. The altered bull has a weak and feminine voice; his head is narrower and elongated; his horns become lengthened and more curved; he has exchanged his wild and threatening aspect for a mild and gentle visage; his neck also is lighter and his chest narrower; his bony structure is less massive; and he has, besides all the rest, acquired a quality of essential importance to mankind in a dietetic view, that of accumulating fat. This last phenomenon shows us that besides the other changes referred to, there is an important modification of the nutritive forces of the animal, or at least a change in the direction of their action.

When thus deprived of his virile functions the animal ceases, in effect, to exist as one of a species, but maintains an essentially individual life, in which the assimilable nutriment which he absorbs, instead of being in part appropriated to the office of reproduction of his kind, is all devoted to his own individual conservation. In animals not used for draught purposes, or in other labor, when the food received is nearly always in excess of the amount required for the support of the organism, the result follows that the surplus of nutritive substances (found sometimes in great abundance) becomes stored in the connective tissue and intermuscular structure, and that in this way the flesh assumes superior and more nutritious qualities than that of the unaltered animal, while, at the same time, it loses the strong and peculiar odor frequently communicated to it by the presence of the testicular apparatus and secretion in the entire animal.

This property of modification of function is probably still better illustrated in the effect of the operation upon cows, where we shall find not only the power of accumulation of fat increased by castration, but, above all, the milky secretion improved both in quality and quantity, and also in the duration of the flow.

AGE.

The question, “at what age can an entire animal be altered?” admits of a simple answer, to wit, “as soon as the testicles can be easily reached—as soon as they appear outside of the abdominal cavity, and are found in the inguinal canal.” But although it can be performed at that epoch, or deferred to any period of after life, it must be remembered that it is easier and less dangerous in young than in older animals, and that with the former it is a simple operation, producing, ordinarily, no noticeable alteration in the other functions, and but rarely followed by accidents.

A period between eighteen months and two years is generally preferred for horses, though, according to some authors, even a much earlier date may be chosen, some English veterinarians being accustomed to operate at as early a date as ten days from birth. It is immaterial, however, at what precise time the operation may be performed, since it is a conceded point that the earlier it is done the better.

SEASON.

When it is possible to choose the season most favorable for the operation, and for securing the best chances of recovery, the spring, or the early stages of the fall, are those to which the operator should give the preference, provided the atmospheric temperature is moderate and not susceptible to sudden variations. It is to be remembered that at some periods of the year, without any known or apparent cause, a tendency appears in wounds to take on gangrenous or septicemic complications which are not so generally observed in the mild weather of spring and early fall. Another essential condition which surgeons will do well to take into consideration is the general health of the subject, as in all cases of surgical interference, any diseased tendency already existing (perhaps latent) in the patient, such as an anæmic condition, a gourmy predisposition, or typhoid susceptibility are likely to give rise to the development of serious and perhaps fatal sequelæ to an operation which, simple as it may be in itself, is nevertheless not without danger, or of possible complications of its own.

PREPARATIONS.

The preparations to which the animal is to be subjected previous to undergoing the operation are the same as those which are required in other cases of surgical manipulation. Some portions of the preparations are, perhaps, of even greater importance, and may not, on any account, be overlooked, when we take into consideration the peculiar position in which the animal must frequently be secured in order effectually to control his movements. Hence, a low diet for twenty-four hours preceding that appointed for the operation, and an empty stomach at the time of castration, with a thorough washing of the sheath, are precautions which no surgeon entitled to the name will overlook or neglect, especially when a soliped is to be subjected to the knife. We shall discuss hereafter the indications in the case of the castration of large females.

RESTRAINT.

Two modes of restraint are employed in securing the animals during the manipulations for the removal of the testicles, one which is applied to all the various methods yet to be described, and the other applicable principally to the method of amputation of the cord by the use of the écraseur. In the former, the animal is thrown down and secured with one of his hind legs fixed in a position in which the inguinal region is fully exposed. In the latter he is allowed to remain in a standing posture, and is kept quiet by the application of a twitch upon his upper lip. As the first mode of securing the patient is the safest for all parties engaged in the undertaking, and from the further fact of its applicability in all methods of operating, we shall first consider it somewhat in detail.

Fig. 1.

Condition of the horse in lying posture. Steps to bring one of the hind legs upon the corresponding front one.

By veterinarians who employ the old method of casting with four hobbles, the animal, being properly prepared, is thrown upon whichever side corresponds with the operator’s habit of manipulation, whether with the right hand or the left, and the leg opposite to that on which he is lying being released from the hobble, is carried forward upon the corresponding shoulder, as far as it can be safely done. To effect this a loop of rope or platelonge is passed around the coronet, below the fetlock, the free end being carried forward over the dorsal border of the neck, under the neck, towards its anterior border, and is then carried back under the same hind leg, between the hinder extremities and over the hock, from the posterior border, where an assistant, stationed at the back of the animal, is ready to receive it ([Fig. 1]). By careful, gradual and steady pulling upon the rope the foot is brought forward upon the external surface of the shoulder, and there secured by two or three turns of the rope around the coronet.

But it often occurs that in this position the inguinal region is not sufficiently exposed, and some of the steps of the operation may thus be rendered difficult, even when the surgeon has taken the precaution to pose the body of the patient and place him partly on his back, by means of bundles of straw pressed under the side upon which he lies. Many operators prefer the use of the double side line, with which, when the animal is thrown, both hind legs are brought forward together, and he is fixed squarely upon his back, and the inguinal region thus brought distinctly into view. The manipulation is thereby made easier for the surgeon, and, it is claimed, safer for the patient. The possibility of danger attending these methods has led many veterinarians in Europe, and in the United States as well, to prefer the operation with the animal in the standing posture. But it is to be considered that the same complications may rise in all instances, with the exception of apprehended injury to the vertebral column, which, though possible, is almost unknown, in fact, at the usual age of the castrated animal. It is to be considered, likewise, that the animal, on his feet, is free to struggle as violently as he wishes, and is thus exposed to the risk of the pulling and laceration of the spermatic cord, and a resulting predisposition to enlargements of that body and the formation of champignons. When it is considered, again, that by the traction of the cord the superior opening of the inguinal canal is necessarily dilated, and the formation of a hernia of castration is liable to take place, we submit the point to the intelligent judgment, whether, in the presence of these possibilities of extremely dangerous accidents, it does not become the duty of the veterinarian to prefer the mode of securing his patient in the supine position, both in his own behalf and that of his employer.

Fig. 2.

1. Testicular envelope. 2. Posterior serous septum. 2′. White muscular fibres of Bouley. 3. Serous membrane—portion of the tunica vaginalis. 3′. 3″. Visceral layers of the tunica covering the cord and the testicles. 4. The testicle with its peritoneal covering. 5. The epididymis. 5′. Globus major. 5″. Globus minor, the tail. 6. Deferent canal. 7. Spermatic blood vessels and nerves.

ANATOMY.

We now pass rapidly in review the anatomical structure of the inguinal region and of the testicular organs. A knowledge of these is of course essential to a proper understanding of the description of the various modes of operation, and of some of their sequelæ, upon which we shall soon enter.

The testicular envelopes, passing from the surface inwards, are represented by the scrotum, the dartos, the cellular coat, the tunica erythroida, formed by the cremaster, and the fibrous and serous or vaginal sac ([Fig. 2]). The scrotum is a continuation of the skin, and forms a complete bag, common to both testicles, which it contains and covers; the skin being here thin, vascular and nervous, usually black in color, almost hairless, and soft and unctuous to the touch. It is divided into two lateral halves by a raphæ or median line. It is very elastic, and easily yields to the efforts of distention, to which it is subjected, and when stretched over the organs it contains, presents a shining aspect, due to the sebaceous secretion which covers it. It easily contracts to its shrunken condition, and may be closely drawn up into the inguinal canal, when it assumes a thickly wrinkled surface.

The second envelope, the dartos, is a prolongation of the tunica abdominalis, and is a yellow, fibrous structure, forming two distinct sacs resting upon each other, and lying on the inside of the scrotum, to which it is intimately adherent.

In the lateral and superior parts the adhesions are looser, and in front it becomes continuous with the suspensory ligament of the sheath, which, like itself, forms a portion of the abdominal tunic. Under the dartos is a layer of very loose cellular tissue, the lamellæ of which are so formed that it may be divided into several superimposed layers. This formation endows the testicle with great mobility in the dartoid sac; and these layers may be easily separated with the finger from the external surface of the fibrous coat beneath, except posteriorly, where it forms a strong band which sometimes requires even the aid of an instrument to divide.

The next envelope is represented by the tunica erythroida which is the cremaster muscle, and from the lumbar region extends itself downwards into the inguinal canal along the outside of the cord, and terminates towards the superior part of the testicle in fibres spreading only over its external face. This muscle, by its deep surface, rests upon the fibrous coat—another envelope of the testicle and of the cord—and to which it is closely adherent. To the powerful contraction of this muscle is due the retraction of the testicle into the depth of the groin, which condition sometimes it is so difficult to overcome in the first stages of the operation.

The fibrous testicular envelope which we have just seen giving attachment to the cremaster, is a thin membranous bag, elongated like the neck of a bottle around the spermatic cord, which it envelopes, and dilated below, in order to enclose the testicle. Lined internally by the serous coat, to which it intimately adheres, this last membrane is a duplicature of the peritoneum, drawn downwards by the testicle when it descends from the abdominal cavity into the inguinal canal. This serous envelope has, therefore, two coats, one lying on the inside of the fibrous tunic, and called the parietal, and that which covers the cord and the testicle and is known as the visceral. These two layers approximate towards the posterior border of the cord, and, as they unite, form a sort of fold, band, or septum which divides into two parts the posterior portion of the vaginal cavity, and becomes a means of solid adhesion between the tail of the epididymis and the bottom of the sac.

The testicles, thus covered by the visceral layer of the serous coat, are suspended at the end of the spermatic cord, and surmounted upon their superior border by the epididymis, the first part of the deferent canal, which is folded upon itself, while at its posterior extremity—the “tail,” so called—it continues in a straight course, and conveys the product of the secretion of the testicles into the vesiculæ seminales, lodged in the pelvic cavity.

The spermatic cord is formed anteriorly by the spermatic or great testicular artery, which forms, in that portion, a large number of flexuosities, causing its length greatly to exceed that of the cord to which it belongs. It contains a network of veins, and lymphatic vessels in abundance, which are united to the curves of the artery by a somewhat loose cellular tissue. A large number of nervous branches, given off by the solar plexus, surrounds the whole.

Between the lamellæ of peritoneal structure which forms the posterior septum, and which unites the parietal with the visceral layer, there is found a band of grey muscular fibres—first discovered, I believe, by H. Bouley—which exerts a powerful agency in the retraction of the testicle towards the inguinal ring. Behind this muscle, and situated on the internal face of the septum, are found the deferent canal and the circumvolutions of the small testicular artery.

Having thus considered the essential points of the anatomical structure of these organs, we shall next seek to enforce the importance of their careful study in reference to the intelligent and skilful performance of the important operation which we are discussing.

CHAPTER II.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE METHODS — THREE CLASSES — FIRST, IMMEDIATE AMPUTATION — SECOND, AMPUTATION AFTER APPLICATION OF HEMOSTATIC MEANS UPON THE CORD — THIRD, WITHOUT AMPUTATION, BUT DESTRUCTION OF SECRETING POWER OF THE ORGAN — SIMPLE EXCISION — SCRAPING — TEARING AND TORSION — TORSION — FREE AND LIMITED — ABOVE OR BELOW THE EPIDIDYMIS — LINEAR CRUSHING — FIRING.

The methods of performing the operation of castration may be variously classified, though in each class a varying number of modes will come under our notice.

The first class will include the operations by which, the envelopes having been cut through, the vaginal sac opened and the testicle exposed, the organ is separated by an immediate section of the cord. A number of different processes are included under this head, among which are those of scraping, of tearing, of torsion, of linear crushing, or by the ecraseur, and of firing, or the actual cautery.

The second class has also for its first or preliminary step, that of the first, viz., the incision of the bags, the opening of the vaginal sac, and the exposure of the testicle. But instead of removing the organ by the division of the cord, we proceed as a second step, to the application of an apparatus designed to operate by producing compression along the length of the cord, and in this are included but two modes of operating, that by the ligature and that by the clamps.

The third class, according to our category, presents to our view two further operations, both of which are essentially bloodless and dispense with the incision of the bags, consisting of certain peculiar manipulations which insure the destruction of the testicular structure, and consequently of its secreting power. They comprehend the process of the crushing of the spermatic cord, and that of subcutaneous double twisting—the bistournage of the French.

We now enter upon the consideration of each of the separate modes we have thus enumerated.

SIMPLE EXCISION.

This is claimed to be one of the oldest modes of operating, and though to a great extent discarded by practitioners of the present day, still finds its application in the treatment of the smaller animals. With larger patients, however, though still strongly recommended by some practitioners, it is not generally employed on account of the profuse hemorrhage which necessarily follows the amputation of the cord. Still it is conceded that this hemorrhage, as in many cases of the clean, transverse section of arterial blood vessels, will cease spontaneously by the contraction of the vessels on themselves, and the formation of a clot at the divided end, as well as in the surrounding cellular tissue. However, there is a possibility of the continuance of the hemorrhage for some length of time, and the bad effects of excessive depletion are not to be overlooked, especially in an animal whose general constitution has from any cause suffered impairment. If there is any one of the various modes of operating in which the standing position is allowable, this, in our opinion, is the one, the steps of the process being so few and so short, and admitting such simplicity and rapidity. These consist in making a free opening in the bag, reaching with a single stroke of the knife into the vaginal cavity; grasping the testicle and pulling it gently downwards; and cutting the cord right across, from the front backwards, above the epididymis, the cord returning of itself into the vaginal sac—the division being made, of course, on both sides. The animal is then kept quiet in his stall and left alone until the hemorrhage subsides.

SCRAPING.

This operation, which is said to have originated in India, is but a modification of the preceding. Instead, however, of using a sharp edged instrument to divide the cord, the surgeon, on the contrary, employs a dull knife, with which the coats of the artery and portions of the cord are scraped until the separation takes place. They are thus placed in good condition for their temporary closure. This method is probably attended with a diminished amount of hemorrhage, and if carefully performed, it may be entirely absent, the clot closing the artery, and the condition of the lacerated threads of the vessel acting favorably, as well, in preventing it. The manipulations are similar to those accompanying the simple excision, though it is better and more safely effected when the animal is on his back. The testicles being exposed by the incision through the envelopes, the posterior septum of the cord is cut through by a transverse section, and the scraping of the anterior fasciculus of the cord then performed, by a slow movement from above downwards, along a certain extent, in order to effect a solution of continuity by a sort of wearing through the tissues. This operation is slow and requires a careful hand for its execution. But as it may in some cases be followed by severe hemorrhage, it cannot, for that reason, be recommended for large animals, for solipeds especially.

TEARING AND TORSION.

These two modes of operation may, to a great extent, be considered as identical. Indeed, the mode of torsion may be said to have arisen principally as a modification of that of tearing, which is the older. In tearing, the cord was subjected to a certain amount of torsion by the hand, and then torn apart at a given point in its length; while in the process of simple torsion, as properly performed, we obtain a division of the cord by twisting it with instruments, which enables the operator to effect the separation at a definitely determined spot. Tearing differs, then, from torsion only in the fact that after giving several twists to the cord in order to gather its fibres into a more compact mass, and to diminish the resistance of the more superficial layers, it is divided in its continuity by a violent traction upon its fibres in the direction of its length.

In this process, especially applied to ruminants, the testicle being exposed, the operator secures the cord firmly with the thumb and index finger of one hand, to prevent the traction from taking effect too far upwards when being made by the other hand, after the cord has been twisted a few times on itself.

TORSION.

In this method of castration the cord is twisted with sufficient force to cause it to break of itself at the point of the greatest violence. Its design is to accomplish the removal of the testicle without dragging or excessive traction upon the cord, and thus to avoid the hemorrhage following the torsion of the spermatic artery, as a mode of hemostasis sufficient to prevent the flow of blood attendant upon the rupture of the cord. The operation may be performed either above or below the epididymis, or may consist simply in the torsion of the artery alone. At first the hands only were called upon to act in the manipulations, and the operation was from this cause known as free torsion, until about fifty years ago, when instruments were introduced into general practice, and gave rise to the plan of limited torsion.

FREE TORSION.

Free torsion, or that in which the hands alone are employed in the operation, may be performed, as before stated, either above or below the epididymis.

Above the Epididymis.—The first is one of the oldest modes of castration known; one which must have been practiced contemporaneously with the use of clamps, or in the first age of surgery. The first steps of the operation required for the exposure of the testicles are the same as have already been detailed. When this is accomplished the steps of torsion and rupture are then performed in the following manner: The operator, grasping the testicle, carefully draws out the spermatic cord, and with a pointed bistoury makes a transverse incision, above the tail of the epididymis, through the posterior septum of the cord, involving what we know as the white muscle of Bouley, the efferent canal, and the small testicular artery. He then seizes the anterior fasciculus of the cord between the thumb and index finger of the left hand, squeezing it as tightly as possible, and having with the other hand secured the cord at a short distance below the point where the left hand has already been placed, performs the torsion by a rotatory movement given to the testicle itself, the motion having for its result the twisting and tearing of the cord when long enough continued to overcome the tenacity of its fibres. Fifteen or twenty turns of the organ will usually be found sufficient to effect the rupture. A considerable degree of strength in the fingers is required in this movement, and for this reason the torsion may take effect further up than may be desired, and beyond the point designed, which may result in an unnecessary amount of irritation and injury. When the torsion has gone so far that the rupture of the cord has been effected, the stump is released, and retracts in the inguinal canal to a certain height limited by the presence of the posterior septum, which holds it in place, and to a great extent prevents its return through the superior orifice of the inguinal canal.

Below the Epididymis.—This, the fourth step of the operation, consists in the separation of the testicle from the epididymis and the torsion of one upon the other. The testicle being exposed, the operator, taking hold of its appendix, the epididymis, with the left hand, and of the gland with the right, their cellular serous attachment is divided by the thumbs from the posterior to the anterior extremity, from the tail to the head of the twisted efferent canal. If this cannot be done with the hand, the convex bistoury must be called into action. This accomplished, the head of the epididymis is firmly secured with the fingers of the left hand, and the right hand, left free, gives to the testicle the number of rotatory motions necessary to separate it from its excretory canal—that is, from eight to ten. When the testicle is thus severed, the stump of the end, with the epididymis, is pushed back into the vaginal sac, where it is confined by the application of a suture upon the middle of the edge of the scrotal wound.

LIMITED TORSION.

Limited Torsion Above the Epididymis.—As we have seen, this is the operation by which the division of the spermatic cord is effected by torsion made upon a given point in its length, and limited by the use of special instruments.

Fig. 3.

FIXING FORCEPS FOR TORSION.

A.—Renault and Delafond pattern.
B.—Perier.
C.—Reynal.

We have already called attention to the difficulty of the operation of free torsion, which requires a great deal of strength, and which, besides, may be accompanied by a serious inflammatory condition of the parts, through rough manipulations of the cord. It is for this reason that this mode of procedure must have been reserved for small animals, as, if performed upon the larger kinds, it can only be by men whose muscular force is sufficient to enable them to overcome and bring into subjection the struggling subjects of their operations.

Fig. 4.

MOVING FORCEPS FOR CASTRATION BY TORSION.

Renault and Delafond pattern. Reynal pattern.

It was in 1883 that two French veterinarians, Renault and Delafond, of the Alfort school, introduced the use of instruments in the operation, as an improvement upon the manual methods and their effects on the sequelæ, though it is said to have been already practiced in Germany as far back as the last century. The instruments employed are two forceps of peculiar construction, and which were more or less modified, one of which (fixing forceps, [Fig. 3],) is to be applied upon a fixed point of the cord, where it is suffered to remain, and the other (moving forceps, [Fig. 4],) is employed to accomplish the rotation of the testicle and the lower end of the cord. Those of Renault and Delafond or of Reynal are now in general use. Those of Beaufils ([Fig. 5]) are, we believe, too complicated for general use.

Fig. 5.

COMBINED FORCEPS OF M. BEAUFILS.

Modus Operandi.—In the first step of the operation, the ordinary manipulations of the division of the envelopes, the opening of the sac and exposure of the testicle being accomplished, and the envelopes being carefully pushed upwards, the torsion and excision of the cord are effected in the following manner: The entire cord is embraced by the fixing forceps (see [Fig. 6]), or only its anterior fasciculus if the posterior septum has been cut, as in the process by free torsion above the epididymis. An assistant, seizing it from before backwards between its open branches and strongly closing them, holds it firmly, without pulling upon the cord. The operator then grasps the cord with the moving forceps above the testicle, and a little below the point held by the assistant, leaving a small space between the instruments, and closing his own tightly, begins the movement of torsion, which he directs from left to right. For this he sometimes requires both hands, one of them keeping the instrument in place, while the other continues the rotation as described. Ten or fifteen turns of the forceps are usually sufficient to complete the rupture of the cord, the artery, owing to its facility of elongation, being the last part to give way. The testicle then separates, being held in the branches of the moving forceps; the fixing forceps are removed, and the cord is drawn upwards into the vaginal sac. It is important in this operation to caution the assistant against drawing on the cord during the struggles of the animal, consequent upon the pain caused by the first application of the instruments, and the pressure upon the parts when held between their inflexible iron jaws; but on the contrary, to maintain it as closely as possible against the inguinal region.

Fig. 6.

OPERATION OF LIMITED TORSION.

This process of castration is one of the most rapid of all the forms of operating. The only hemorrhage likely to occur is merely that of the small testicular artery, if it should happen to be divided when the torsion is confined to the front portion of the cord.

Below the Epididymis.—This process differs from the preceding only in the fact that instead of holding the cord between the fingers, it is held by the fixed forceps, the use of the moving instrument being rendered unnecessary by the slightness of the adhesion of the seminal gland to its appendix.

Fig. 7.

VARIOUS KINDS OF ECRASEURS.

LINEAR CRUSHING.

The originator of the use of that peculiar instrument, the ecraseur ([Fig. 7]), so valuable an adjunct in the operation of castration, is Mr. H. Bouley, who brought it into use at a date as early as the year 1857. It is not, therefore, an American invention, as has sometimes been claimed. The function of this instrument is to effect the division of living parts without hemorrhage. The original ecraseur of Chassaignac has received many modifications, all of which, however, operate upon the same principle The essential design of all is to produce a general constriction of the blood vessels, by which their internal and middle coats being first divided, may contract within the cavity of the vessel in such a manner as to close their cavity and form a sort of stopper to the artery, while the external cellular covering, the last to undergo division, is so stretched, under the action of the instrument, and so closely adapts itself by its ends, that insufflation through the free ends of the vessels fails to remove the closing arrangement of the two coats first divided.

Fig. 8.

HOUSE CLAMPS.

Modus Operandi.—The operation is comparatively a very simple one. The testicle being exposed, as in all the other methods, the chain of the instrument is so placed around the cord that the pressure takes place upon the greater mass of tissue, in order that it may continue the longer; which being done, the lever of the instrument is brought into action, and the constriction caused by the chain slowly kept up until the definite division of the tissue is accomplished. The essential condition of success in the operation, having in view the desired hemostatic effect, is to act slowly. According to Prof. Bouley, an interval of several seconds should be suffered to elapse after each rotation of the wheel which moves the chain. If the tissues are divided too rapidly, the section of the artery is apt to be too clean, and a hemorrhage is likely to be the result. This objection, however, though made by one of the highest authorities in veterinary surgery, does not seem to be justified by the results obtained by American operators, most of whom both recommend and practice its execution as rapidly as possible; and according to their own statements, a serious hemorrhage is seldom encountered. The fact that it has been observed in any case, however, confirms the wisdom of the recommendation of Prof. Bouley, and as most of our American confrères prefer the operation with the animal in the standing posture, the reason of their neglect of the prudent and more truly surgical process can be readily appreciated. To avoid the hemorrhage Dr. House invented a clamp which he applied upon the cord previous to the amputation with the ecraseur ([Fig. 8]). This mode of castration is not very extensively practiced by European practitioners. The reason of this is probably to be looked for in the essential necessity of safety which so protracts its performance.

FIRING.

This mode of castration consists in the application to the cut end of the testicular cord—previously divided with the bistoury, or by the cautery—as a means of hemostasis, of an iron heated to a white heat—the actual cautery. This is claimed to be one of the oldest modes of operating, Vegetius and Absyrtus describing it as a common process of castration. It is much in favor in England, and in some parts of Germany, though less practiced in some other parts of Europe. The instruments essentially needed for the operation of castration by firing are two; the first, a peculiar forceps for holding the cord and securing it while the application of the cautery is being made; and the second, the iron or cautery itself.

Fig. 9.

SINGLE FORCEPS FOR CASTRATION BY FIRING.

DOUBLE FORCEPS FOR CASTRATION BY FIRING.

These forceps, or nippers, are either single or double ([Fig. 9]), and may be made either of wood or of iron, and more or less modified in form, according to the fancies of the different operators. But they all work on the same principle, and effect the same object. With the single forceps but one cord can be treated at a time, but with the double instrument both cords may be secured at once, and may be divided and cauterized at one step. In this way the possibility of disturbing the eschar caused by the cauterization of one cord while manipulating the second, is quite obviated.

When the testicles, either or both, have been exposed, the mass of the cord is fixed between the jaws of the forceps, from before backwards, at about one inch above the tail of the epididymis, and firmly secured. This may be effected either by tying it tightly with a string wound about the handles, or by means of a spring crank with which some instruments are furnished. The testicle is then amputated, either by a stroke of the bistoury, or with the sharp edge of the cautery carried across and at a right angle with the direction of the cord. This done, the operator applies the broad portion of the iron over the entire surface of the stump of the spermatic cord, and cauterizes (or sears) the part thoroughly. It must be remembered that to insure the safety of the cauterization, the iron must be very hot. Otherwise, when it is removed, if it has cooled off, it may adhere to the carbonized surface, and the scab formed at the end of the blood vessel may accompany the instrument. The application of pulverized rosin to the end of the cord, previous to the cauterization, is recommended by some practitioners.

A very proper precaution, and one on no account to be omitted, is the protection of the surrounding parts from the radiating heat by covering them with wet cloths.

When the operation is completed, the forceps should be opened with great care, in order to ascertain whether all hemorrhage has ceased, and the cord may be allowed to retract. If any oozing of blood appears at the point of the operation, the cauterization must be repeated at the point indicated.

A free application of cold water, in the form of a douche, after the operation, will contribute to the formation of a clot in the cauterized artery.

CHAPTER III.

METHODS OF THE SECOND CLASS — CLAMPS — COVERED AND UNCOVERED OPERATION — INSTRUMENTS — FOUR VARIOUS STEPS — OBJECTION TO THIS METHOD — TIME TO REMOVE THE CLAMPS — LIGATURE — OF THE CORD AND ITS ENVELOPES — OF THE CORD ONLY — OF THE SPERMATIC ARTERY — OF THE EFFERENT CANAL — SUBCUTANEOUS OPERATION.

Having completed the consideration of the various methods included in the first class, we propose next to examine those entering into the second, which embrace those in which certain means of pressure are applied and suffered to remain upon the cord previous to the amputation of the testicle. These are two in number, and consist of the process known as that of the clamps, and that which involves the use of the ligature.

THE METHOD BY THE CLAMPS.

This is an ancient mode of operating, having been transmitted to us through many ages. It has received the sanction of long practice, and, if not absolutely superior to all others, is possessed of qualities and advantages which all who have employed it will freely acknowledge.

It is performed in two ways. One is the process of the covered, the other of the uncovered testicle. The covered operation is that in which only a portion of the testicular envelopes are divided, the scrotum and the dartos, the gland being left covered with the other envelopes. On the other hand, in the uncovered operation, all the enveloping membranes are divided, and the testicle is made to protrude outside of the vaginal sac. The first three steps of this mode of operating are understood to have been performed in the methods which we have already considered as generally preliminary in all cases, in order to obtain access to the cord.

Fig. 10.

ORDINARY CLAMP.

INTERNAL FACE OF CLAMPS.

The instruments necessary to operate in this case are a very sharp convex bistoury, a pair of clamps, some strong twine, a castrating forceps and a pair of scissors. The clamps are wooden or metallic pincers, formed to embrace the cord and to be applied firmly upon it, in order to hold it securely, and to confine the artery tightly enough to prevent the occurrence of hemorrhage. The form most ordinarily used, and probably most convenient, is made of wood, and consists of two semi-cylindrical pieces ([Fig. 10]) joined at one end and resting together by a flat and sometimes grooved surface, and measuring about six inches in length. The material is a light but strong wood. They are rounded at the extremities, in order to avoid chafing the soft tissues. A groove at each end is designed to receive the twine, which is part of the appliance. Before being used they are tightly tied together at one end, in such a manner that they spring open if closed. This point is one of the first importance. It requires considerable exercise of strength to place them tightly enough on the cord they are to hold, but this firm juxtaposition, so obtained, facilitates their removal, when that is required. The groove which they carry on their flat surface is sometimes filled with some merely lubricating greasy substance, usually simple ointment, fresh lard, butter, or cream, though some veterinarians use a caustic paste. This last mode of proceeding is strongly opposed by some authorities, as likely to induce unnecessary inflammatory action, through the formation of a scab, which may require for its removal a process of sloughing, which may in some cases give rise to serious complications. As I have stated, the clamps are not always made of wood, and very many alterations and improvements, so called, have been from time to time brought forward. In [Fig. 11] a few of these clamps are presented. The oldest form is the simplest, and possesses the further advantage of being always easy to be obtained, while the more complicated contrivances are not always easy of access.

Fig. 11.

VARIOUS SHAPES OF CLAMPS.

Screwed Clamp. Spring Clamp of Brandt. Hinge Clamp.

Fig. 12.

FORCEPS TO HOLD THE CLAMP TOGETHER.

VISE FOR THE SAME.

The castrating forceps ([Fig. 12]) are used for bringing the clamps together while they hold the spermatic cord between their branches. There are several kinds of these, but in default of obtaining them readily, the operator may find an eligible substitute in the blacksmith’s nippers or the gasfitter’s tongs. We have used this latter for a good many years, and have found it very well adapted to the purpose required, by the presence of its set of double curved and grooved jaws. The twine which it is necessary to use to keep the clamps closed when they have been brought into perfect contact with the castrating forceps, must be soft and strong. A piece of fishing line, previously waxed, will answer the purpose very well. In order to facilitate the traction which may be necessary to keep the clamps in place, it is a good precaution to attach the ends of the twine to small wooden handles to protect the hands from cutting by the string. It is well, also, to prepare a reserve of clamps and twine against accidents from breakage or the mislaying of these articles.

COVERED OPERATION.

Modus Operandi.—The animal being thrown on either side, as already described, and kept as nearly as possible on his back by bundles of straw packed under him on the lower side, and the right hind leg secured in its proper position, and the instruments placed within easy reach, the surgeon proceeds with the fourfold steps of the operation, consisting first, in the prehension of the left testicle, or lowest in position; second, the incision through the envelopes; third, the enucleation of the testicle; and fourth, the application and constriction of the clamps.

First step.—The operation must always begin with the prehension of the gland which corresponds with the side—the lower—upon which the animal is lying. This obviates any danger of interference by any little hemorrhage which might occur, and so facilitates the application of the clamps. Then, placing himself toward the back of the patient, the operator reaches over and grasps the lower testicle with both hands, bringing it downwards in such a manner as to stretch the scrotum over its surface. This manipulation is not always of easy performance, the contraction of the cremaster muscle being sometimes so powerful that the gland successfully resists all the operator’s efforts of traction. It is sometimes necessary to divert the attention of the animal, in order to facilitate this part of the process, by pricking him with a pin on the lips or about the anus, the effect of the new sensation being such that his opposition is withdrawn, and the contraction ceasing, he suffers passively the traction of the envelopes over the organ. Or, the same advantage may be obtained by the inhalation of a little ether or chloroform. Then grasping the cord with the left hand and bringing the organ well forward, the surgeon proceeds to the

Second step, or that of the incision of the envelope. Holding the sharp convex bistoury in his right hand, he takes, with the thumb, a point d’appui upon the prominent organ, and carries it carefully over the surface of the scrotum in a direction parallel with the median raphè ([described] in the first chapter), and following the great curvature of the testicle, and being careful with the first movement of the instrument to divide only the scrotal skin and the dartos, until the most superficial layers of the cellular tissue of the third testicular envelope are reached. The skin and the dartos being divided, the edges of the wound separate, and the testicle, still pressed downwards and outwards with the left hand, protrudes more or less, still included, as it is, within its fibrous covering. A careful dissection, with a few light strokes of the bistoury, or laceration with the thumb nail of the hand, now suffices for the separation of the fibrous envelope from its external covering, an entire separation of both of which can thus be easily obtained by pressing the most external layer upwards through the laceration of the cellular coat which unites them.

Third step.—The operator now relieves himself of his instrument—not, we may venture to suggest, by placing it between his teeth, as some careless surgeons are apt to do, but by handing it to an assistant—and, changing his position, places himself in front of the inguinal region, and facing it. He then proceeds to the enucleation of the testicle, by separating the adhesion which exists between the internal face of the dartos and the external surface of the cremaster muscle and of the fibrous tunic. The separation being completed, and the scrotum and dartos being carefully pushed upwards, the patient is now ready for the last step of the operation.

Fourth step.—The testicle, well enucleated from its superficial envelopes, but still covered by the fibrous coat, and the vaginal sac still remaining intact, the operator, facing, as before, the inguinal region, proceeds to the application of the clamps. The cutaneous covering and the dartos being pushed well upwards, the clamp is placed upon the cord above the epididymis, from before backwards, the assistant, armed with the castrating forceps, taking both of its branches between the jaws of that instrument, carefully bringing them together, and closing them as tightly as possible. The instant of the pressure of the clamp upon the cord is marked by very severe pain, and the suffering animal is excited to powerful struggling. It is important that the assistant should be aware of this, and he should be forewarned to refrain from pulling on the cord, and reminded, in order to avoid injury from this accident, to keep the clamps and the forceps steadily in contact with the inguinal canal. It is probably with a view to the avoidance of this possible injury that the use of a peculiarly constructed vise or forceps has been recommended. The forceps being in place, and tightly confining the branches of the clamps, well adjusted, the operator now applies the twine, and after taking several turns around the grooves of the free ends of the clamps, secures it carefully with a double knot.

The operation is then repeated on the right or uppermost testicle in the same manner, and with the same precautions.

UNCOVERED OPERATION.

The four steps of this operation are the same as those of the previous method, the first requiring the same manipulations and observing the same order, but the second involving some variations. In this the same careful dissection is dispensed with, and one free incision suffices, including all the various envelopes, in order to expose the testicle freely and at once. The incision is made with one free stroke of the bistoury extending from the posterior to the anterior extremity of the testicle, and dividing at once scrotum, dartos, and the fibrous and serous coats. Though this is to be done without hesitation, it is by no means necessary to adopt the practice of some operators, who not only divide the envelopes, but even make a large incision in the testicular structure itself, inflicting thus an unnecessary amount of pain from which the animal might, with a little care, have been spared.

When the surgeon reaches the third step of the operation, and seizes the testicle with the right hand, in order to draw it downward and outside of the vaginal sac, he may encounter great resistance to his traction, from the powerful opposition of the white muscular tissue running along the posterior septum of the cord. He must then slowly and steadily draw the testicle down, and at a given moment, with a single stroke with a sharp pointed bistoury, divide the serous band of the posterior septum, cutting at once the muscular fibres, the efferent canal and the small testicular artery. This being effected, the resistance will terminate, and the testicle may be drawn down without further difficulty. The division of the septum is not always resorted to. Still, the verdict of experience is strongly in favor of the measure. The application of the clamps ([Fig. 13]) is effected in the same manner as in the covered operation, but in this instance the clamp is placed higher on the cord. For this reason the assistant must be especially careful during the struggles of the patient when the clamps are tightened, the danger of inguinal hernia at this point being too serious to be overlooked. The clamps being in place, and properly secured, the testicles are either left in place and allowed to slough away, or are amputated a short distance below the clamps, as the case may be. The parts being carefully washed out, the animal is allowed to rise, and is returned to his stall.

Fig. 13.

CASTRATION WITH UNCOVERED TESTICLE.

An objection frequently urged against this mode of operation is that it requires a second visit of the surgeon when the time has arrived for the removal of the clamps. Estimating this objection at its proper value, we consider that it is more than balanced by the advantages attendant upon this special mode of castration, and while we fully appreciate the difficulty and inconvenience to which the surgeon may be subjected by this second visit, we cannot approve of its omission, either from a surgical point of view or in that of the interests of the employers, in whose behalf all care and responsibility should be exercised, until the patient is at least enjoying a fair prospect of recovery.

The question now arises, at what time can the clamp be removed with safety? It must be understood that there may sometimes be peculiar surgical conditions under which their removal is contra-indicated, and when they must be allowed to slough off without further interference on our part. But even in ordinary cases and under favorable circumstances, this time appears to vary. By some they are removed after thirty-six hours, while others allow them to remain for a period of four or five days. Taking a fair average, we are of opinion that it may be safely done on about the third day, and that at that period the closing of the artery is sufficiently assured to remove all further pressure.

If the clamps have been secured with twine, and especially if they were properly prepared previously to their application, the process of removal is a very simple one. The assistant, raising one of the patient’s hind legs, the operator places himself directly behind the animal, and bending down, with a sharp sage-knife, cuts the twine where it has secured the posterior ends of the clamp. If it retains the springiness it ought to have possessed at the time of its original application, the branches readily spring open, and it falls to the ground. If this does not occur, or if they should be held by adhesions with some dried parts of the cords which have been pressed between the branches of the clamps, they must be carefully separated by moving from below upwards, when they will easily become detached. But this last manipulation must be very carefully performed, if we would escape a hemorrhage which might require serious measures to control. When clamps of another make are used, the process of removal will vary according to existing peculiarities in the construction of the instrument. The clamp having been removed from one side, the separation from the other will, of course, be managed in a similar manner.

THE LIGATURE.

This method of castration consists in the application of a circular ligature upon the entire cord, or a portion of it, for the purpose of completely closing it, with the various parts entering into its formation. It was in practice so long ago as 1734. The operation is divided into several varieties, viz., that of the cord with its envelopes; that of the cord only, either by the covered or uncovered method; that of the spermatic artery alone; that of the efferent canal; and that by the subcutaneous process.

The ligature used in these various modes of operation is formed of waxed silk; sometimes of strong twine, as fishing line, for example; or, as more recently introduced in surgery in the removal of living growths and tumors, an elastic cord.

Ligation of the cord and its envelopes.—This process is principally used upon small animals, although, since the elastic cord has been brought into use, a few attempts have been made to make it applicable to the larger kinds. The experiments, however, have been as yet so few, and the results so unsatisfactory, and in so many cases fatal, that it can scarcely be recommended, except for small subjects. The application of this is very simple. It consists, after securing the patient, in bringing the testicles as far down into the scrotum as may be thought needful, and after applying the ligature two or three times around the cord, a short distance above them ([Fig. 14]), slowly and steadily tightening it until a sufficient amount of force has been employed to close the calibre of the blood vessel and cut off the circulation from the parts situated below the point of ligation. This mode of operating has, in our hands, proved very successful in small animals, and when the elastic ligature has been used. Mortification has taken place in a few days, the testicles slowly detaching themselves at the point of ligature, and when falling off leaving but a very small superficial, cutaneous scab, and healing in a short time.

Fig. 14.

CASTRATION BY LIGATION OF THE CORD AND ENVELOPES.

Ligature of the cord only; covered operation.—The first three steps of the operation having been accomplished, and the testicle enucleated, the ligature is placed around the cord, still covered by its fibrous envelopes and the cremaster muscle. A piece of twine or an elastic ligature may be employed for this purpose. In this operation the testicles are allowed to remain not less than twenty-four hours, before amputation is performed, in order that if the pressure has been insufficient, and the parts should fail to exhibit symptoms of loss of vitality after that time, another ligature may be applied.

Uncovered operation.—The only variation between this method and the one last considered is found in the fact that in this, the testicle and cord being exposed as in the process of castration with the clamp, the ligature is applied either on the cord as a whole, or only on its anterior fasciculus. In this case the testicle is amputated immediately after the application of the ligature. But as there is a possibility of the slipping off of the ligature, great care must be taken lest the amputation be performed too near the point where the constriction is made. And again, as there is a possibility of the truncated cord being drawn too far up, even up into the abdominal cavity, it becomes a precaution of prudence, as recommended by Mr. Bouley, to leave a sufficient length of the ligature hanging outside of the scrotal wound, and even to secure it on the edges of the skin.

Legation of the spermatic artery.—This is a mode of castration which, if we are not mistaken, was held in high estimation by certain practitioners in the city of Boston. It consists simply in the application of a ligature of silk to the spermatic artery. The cord being exposed, and the posterior septum being divided, a curved needle armed with the ligature is made to pass around the whole mass of the anterior fasciculus, and the entire vascular cord is surrounded by the ligature and firmly tightened. The fact of the various and irregular flexuosities peculiar to the spermatic artery, with both ascending and descending portions, explains the necessity of including the entire arterial mass under the ligature, since, if only the simple cord of the artery were ligated, it might be an ascending portion only, and the amputation of the testicle might be followed by a troublesome hemorrhage from one of the descending loops.

Ligation of the efferent canal and the subcutaneous ligation of the cord.—These two modes of operating have not yet yielded sufficient evidence in the form of satisfactory results to be entitled to more than passing mention at the present time. We may say further, moreover, that among all the methods of castration by ligation, none of them have been subjected to a sufficient amount of practical test to be accepted as a process which will justify a strong recommendation or unqualified approval.

CHAPTER IV.

THIRD METHOD OF CASTRATION — CRUSHING OF THE TESTICULAR CORD — DOUBLE SUBCUTANEOUS TORSION — BISTOURNAGE — FOUR STEPS OF THE OPERATION — SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING — CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHIDS — INGUINAL CRYPTORCHIDY — ABDOMINAL CRYPTORCHIDY — MODUS OPERANDI — FIVE STEPS IN THE OPERATION — EFFECTS FOLLOWING THE OPERATION OF CASTRATION — MODE OF CICATRIZATION — HYGIENIC AND SUBSEQUENT ATTENTIONS OR AFTER CARES.

As I have before stated, the third method of castration embraces the processes in which the testicular envelopes are left intact, while it is the gland or cord which is submitted to the peculiar manipulations by which their structure, and therefore the secreting powers of the testicle, are so essentially modified. In treating of this method, two special operations present themselves for our consideration, to wit: the crushing of the testicular support, and the double subcutaneous twisting, or bistournage of the French. These are employed principally in the castration of ruminants, though efforts have been made to apply the latter in the case of solipeds. The modes of operating which we have already described are, however, also applicable to the ruminants.

CRUSHING OF THE TESTICULAR CORD.

This consists in crushing the spermatic cord with a hammer, the vessel continuing, meanwhile, to be covered with its envelopes. It was first described in the year 1826, and is most commonly practised in some French districts. The instruments used are two cylindrical pieces of wood, each about one yard in length and two inches in diameter; and a hammer or mallet formed of hard and heavy wood. The animal being properly secured in the standing position, the testicles being drawn well down into the bottom of the envelopes, the sticks are placed, one behind and one in front of the cord, close to the upper extremity of the gland. When in that position they are moved in such a manner that instead of remaining, one in front of the other, one becomes so superimposed upon the other that the spermatic cord becomes twisted in the form of the letter S ([Fig. 15]). While held together in this position by an assistant, the operator, placing himself in front of one side of the hind quarter, with repeated blows of the hammer or mallet, crushes the cord at the point where it rests upon the wood which occupies the inferior position, of course guaging the force and frequency of the blows by the effect observed, until the crushing of the organ is satisfactorily accomplished. As a measure of caution, it will be well, upon the completion of the process of crushing, to surround the cord with a ligature moderately tightened, in order to guard against the drawing up of the cord into the inguinal canal, an accident not likely to occur, however, if the operation has been well performed.

Fig. 15.

CASTRATION BY CRUSHING OF THE CORD.

DOUBLE SUBCUTANEOUS TORSION; BISTOURNAGE.

In this mode of operating, principally in vogue in the southern parts of France, the position of the testicle is so changed that its lower extremity is made to take the place of the upper, the cord is subjected to a certain degree of torsion, and then the testicle is restored to its normal position, to undergo a process of atrophy which destroys its power of secretion by a physiological action. The great length of the cord and the greater laxity of the cellular tissue situated between the dartos and the fibrous coat, render this operation much easier in the ruminants than in the solipeds. Simple in its manipulations, although still involving a certain degree of dexterity, and followed by comparatively no symptoms of reactive fever, the only instrument necessary for its performance is a piece of cord, twine, or rubber, sufficiently strong to secure the testicular envelopes when the gland has been subjected to the double displacement, and the cord to the torsion it has undergone. In this operation, no special preparation being demanded, the animal is usually treated on his feet.

The late Mr. Serres, of the veterinary school of Toulouse, divides the operation into four steps, viz., first, the softening of the bags and separation of the dartos from the fibrous tissue; second, the displacement (dislocation) of the testicle; third, the torsion of the cord; and fourth, the pushing up of the testicles into the inguinal region, with the application of the ligature to keep them in place.

Fig. 16 (A).