Animal Castration :: CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

CASTRATION OF FEMALES — HISTORY — INDICATIONS — EFFECTS UPON THE ORGANISM AND SPECIAL FUNCTIONS — ADVANTAGES IN COWS — CONDITIONS FAVORABLE TO THE OPERATION — ANATOMY — MODUS OPERANDI — BY THE FLANKS — CHARLIER’S PROCESS — INSTRUMENTS — VARIOUS STEPS — DIVISION OF THE VAGINA — SEIZING THE OVARY — TWISTING IT OFF — COMPLICATIONS — HEMORRHAGE — PERITONITIS — ABSCESS OF THE PELVIC CAVITY — CONSTIPATION — SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA — CASTRATION OF THE SMALL ANIMALS — OF SWINE — OF SLUTS — OF FOWLS.

As I have stated before, the revival of the operation of castration upon large females is due to a Louisiana farmer, Thomas Winn, who, in the year 1831, castrated several of his cows.

Without entering upon the history which includes a record of the failures and successes attendant upon the introduction of the operation, it may suffice to say that until the improvements made by Charlier in the manipulations involved in the operation, it encountered considerable opposition, and it is within a comparatively recent period that it has become established in the domains of veterinary surgery.

The indications by which this operation commend itself to agriculturists, and others who find profit or pleasure in the use or ownership of these domestic animals, are several. Among them are the influence which it exercises upon the secretion of milk in cows, and upon the power of accumulating fat, and its effects upon the character and temper of all the large females, in which relation it obviously acts as a therapeutic agent, in overcoming certain peculiar conditions by which they are distinguished. In respect to the effect of the operation of spaying the cow upon the milk secretion, it is a fact well established that it not only increases the amount and duration of the flow, but also improves the quality of that valuable fluid, the spayed cow not only continuing the production from eighteen to twenty-four months, but giving a product far richer in the elements of nutrition. This is shown by the enhanced proportions of the cream, the caseine and the sugar, which determine its richness and value, both economically and commercially, after alteration.

But even this argument in favor of spaying the cow is rendered more weighty by the fact that besides its influence on the milky secretion, there is also that which is furnished by the consideration of its effect in augmenting the deposit of fat throughout the frame, for it is through this tendency that the flesh of the animal becomes so greatly improved in its nutritive quality as compared with that of the same species when in the entire condition, becoming so noticeably more tender, juicy and palatable, retaining more of the oily element, digesting more easily, and so, of course, acquiring a pecuniary value in the market not before possessed. These remarks apply to the dry equally with the milch cow, and leaving out the reference to the milk secretion, to the ox as well.

With respect to the effect of the operation upon the character and disposition of the cow, these are easily illustrated in the movements of the nymphomaniac animal, which may be said to be constantly in a state of hysterical excitement. They seem to be in continual conditions of heat, running after and mounting other animals with which they may be in company, while never producing and giving no milk. They are always in a lean condition, and must remain a pecuniary loss to the dairyman. This manifestation of nymphomania is also met with in the mare, which, continually exhibiting signs of heat, becomes more or less dangerous on that account. In these cases the advantage of the operation of spaying cannot be overlooked. We have personal knowledge of several cases of this character, in which worthless and troublesome mares have been transformed into docile and valuable animals.

CONDITIONS FAVORABLE TO THE OPERATION.

Charlier expresses the opinion that the best time for the performance of the operation upon cows is from the sixth to the eighth year, or after they have had their second or third calf. If performed at an earlier period the great objection originally urged against castration, that its performance would tend to the diminution of the stock in numbers or “population,” might find more or less confirmation. But by an observance of this condition all danger of the annihilation of stock would be obviated. The cow to be operated on ought to be in fair condition, not in heat or pregnant, and the time selected should be from forty to sixty days after calving.

ANATOMY.

The vagina is situated within the pelvic cavity, between the rectum and the bladder. Its internal face presents numerous longitudinal folds, the purpose of which is to permit the free dilatation of the parts. At the bottom of the passage is situated the neck of the uterus, giving to the finger the sensation of a projection, hard towards the cavity of the vagina, and in the centre of which is felt a closed opening, from which radiate the folds of the mucous membrane. The uterus (Figs. 27 and 28), continued forward to the neck, is situated in the abdominal cavity, occupying the sub-lumbar region, with its posterior extremity resting at the end of the pelvic cavity. It is somewhat pyriform in shape, and larger at its base, where it divides into two lateral halves, continued by the horns. The concave curvature of these horns look downward in the cow, but face upwards in the mare. In both they give attachment to the broad ligaments. These are folds of the peritoneum, more developed forward than behind, rising from the sub-lumbar region, and descending towards the uterus, to fix themselves upon the sides of the superior face of the body of this organ, and, as before stated, upon the curvature of the horns. Their anterior border is free, and gives support to the oviducts and the ovaries. Between the serous layers are found the utero-ovarian artery and veins, largely developed. The ovaries are situated on the internal face of the broad ligament, forming a small ovoid mass, which receives a special serous lamella, a sort of ligament, having between its layers a few grayish muscular fibres, which may be strong enough to offer serious resistance when the extirpation of the organ is attempted.

MODUS OPERANDI.

There are two modes of operation. The original method was that of removal through the flanks, which, however, has fallen into disuse since the introduction of the process of Charlier, of removal through the vagina. This process is altogether to be preferred, as being safer, more consistent with scientific surgery, and in a word is the only one which it is proper to perform, so long as the capacity of the vagina permits the necessary manipulations to be performed.

Fig. 27.

RIGHT OVARY OF THE COW WITH ITS ATTACHMENTS.

U.—Right horn of the uterus. L.—Broad ligament. L'—Its anterior border. O.—Ovary. R.—Peritoneal fold where it is suspended. S.—Superior ovarian ligament. T.—Inferior ovarian ligament. A.—Ovarian artery. V.—Ovarian vein. I.—Oviduct. P.—Its pavilion. X.—Its superior or fimbriated opening. Z.—Its inferior opening.

Fig. 28.

LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF THE PELVIS OF THE MARE SHOWING THE POSITION AND CONNECTION OF THE GENITAL ORGANS.

1—Uterus. 2—Horn of the uterus. 3—Vagina. 4—Bladder. 5—Rectum. 7 8—Vulva. 9—Ovary. 10—Oviduct. 11—Kidney. 12—Broad ligament.

METHOD BY THE FLANKS.

Four steps are necessary to be followed in this method. The first is securing the animal. The cow is usually kept on her feet, pressed firmly against a wall, the legs secured with hobbles, and her head controlled, as much as possible, by a strong assistant. The second step is the incision of the flank. This is made on the left side, with a sharp, convex bistoury, in the middle of the superior portion of that region, dividing the skin and muscles vertically, care being taken that the incision is not carried too low down, in order to avoid the division of the circumflex artery, which passes along in that vicinity. An opening is then made in the peritoneum, either with the knife or with the fingers, sufficiently large to permit the introduction of the fingers. In the third step of the operation, which comprehends the removal of the ovary, the surgeon introduces his hand into the abdomen, and turning it towards the pelvis, feels for the horns of the uterus. Upon finding these the ovaries are easily discovered. He carefully draws them outwards, and their removal is effected either with the ecraseur or the forceps of Charlier. The operation is concluded by the application of a quill suture.

Fig. 29.—CHARLIER’S VAGINAL SPECULUM.

(Closed.)(Open.)

Larger illustration

Fig. 30.

MODIFIED VAGINAL SPECULUM.

Fig. 31.

BISTOURY CACHÉ.

Fig. 32.

COLIN’S BISTOURY CACHÉ.

CHARLIER’S METHOD—INSTRUMENTS.

For this operation special instruments are required. These consist of, first, a vaginal dilator (Fig. 29), or speculum, of peculiar and somewhat complicated construction, to be modified subsequently by another (Fig 30), of superior form and easier of application, and now in general use; second, a bistoury cachÉ (Fig. 31), sliding on its handles, which is a true embryotomy knife, modified by Colin (Fig. 32); third, a pair of long, sharp scissors (Fig. 33), with guarded blades, curved on its flat surface; fourth, a torsion forceps (Fig. 34), closed by a peculiar thread arrangement, moved by the handle; and fifth, a steel thimble (Fig. 35), which has been modified by the instrument shown in Fig. 36, and which is used in applying the limited torsion on the broad ligaments.

Fig. 33.

SCISSORS TO DIVIDE THE BROAD LIGAMENT.

Fig. 34.

FORCEPS FOR CASTRATION OF COWS.

Fig. 35.—Thimble for Castration.

Fig. 36.—Colin’s Nippers, to take the place of the thimble.

Preparation of the animal.—No general preparation is required, except one, which may be regarded as of local effect, but is not to be overlooked. This consists in the evacuation of the bowels by means of a rectal injection, in order that the arms of the surgeon may not become unnecessarily soiled during the operation. The animal is secured on her feet by being placed in a narrow stall to prevent her from moving from side to side, the floor of the stall having an inclination forwards, in order to prevent the pressure by gravitation of the intestinal mass towards the posterior parts of the abdomen.

The operation is completed in two steps, of which the first is the incision of the vagina, and the second the extirpation of the ovaries.

THE INCISION IN THE VAGINA.

This is made in the following manner. The operator introduces the speculum with his right hand, through the vulva, into the vaginal cavity, and carefully passing in his left hand, well oiled, directs and introduces the little prolongation A of the speculum into the centre of the neck of the uterus, gently pressing upon it in order to keep it in place. In using the original dilator, the opening of the branches must be so regulated as to put the walls of the vagina upon the stretch. Or, if he uses the modified speculum, he pushes the instrument downwards and forwards, and by this motion distends the upper wall of the cavity, keeping the instrument in that position by a hold of the left hand, which has been withdrawn from the vagina. He then arms himself with the bistoury cachÉ, which he holds closed in his full hand and introduces with the right hand into the vagina. Carefully feeling the condition of the upper wall of this cavity, and assuring himself of its being well stretched, he rests his hand, still holding the bistoury, upon the opening or “window” at the end of the speculum (Figs. 37 and 38), and by firmly pushing the blade (the sharp edge being turned backwards) out of its handle, pierces with it the vaginal walls, about two inches above the neck of the uterus, and with a motion from below upwards and from before backwards, makes an incision on the median line, from three to three and a half inches in length. The introduction of the instrument must be made in such a manner that it will pass at once through the walls of the vagina proper, as well as through the peritoneal cap which it presents at its anterior portion.

The incision being completed, the speculum is carefully withdrawn; and if a slight hemorrhage should occur, the blood should be removed before the surgeon proceeds to the second step of the operation.

Fig. 37.

CASTRATION OF COWS. (Charlier’s process).

Incision of the vagina.

Fig. 38.

CASTRATION OF COWS. (Charlier’s process).

1st step. Incision of the vagina.

Fig. 39.

SCISSORS DIVIDING THE BROAD LIGAMENTS.

REMOVAL OF THE OVARIES.

Then, again introducing his hand into the vagina, and passing his finger through the opening made by the incision, he feels for the ovaries, which he finds floating at the extremity of their ligaments, towards the entrance of the pelvis, below, on each side, and at a short distance from the incision, between the base of the uterine horns, near and inside of the free border of the ligaments, and a little above the anterior border of the pubis. Then, grasping the ovarian body, he draws it carefully into the vagina, through the incision, and introduces the long scissors, with the guarded blade of which he divides the thick border of the broad ligament (Fig. 39), replacing the ovaries into the abdomen without releasing his hold. The torsion forceps is then passed into the vagina and through the incision, and is made to take hold with its open jaws of the broad ligament (Fig. 40), above the ovary, and is firmly closed by the movement of the spiral crank of the handle (D). Both hands being now outside of the vaginal cavity, and the forceps being secured on the broad ligament, held by the right hand, the left thumb is protected by the thimble (E), and the hand once more inserted, to grasp the broad ligament above the point where the jaws of the torsion forceps are placed. In this position the torsion is made with the forceps, the twisting of the ligament being limited by the firm pressure made by the thimble on the thumb with the index finger, or by a pair of crushing pincers. After several turns of the instrument, the ovary is separated from its attachment, and may be brought out of the cavity, still held securely between the oval jaws of the torsion forceps. The same method is applicable to the ovaries of both sides. These rules are subject to more or less modification by indications which may occasionally present themselves, arising from the age of the animal or the structure or other conditions of the ovaries.

Fig. 40.—TORSION OF THE OVARY.

A B—Forceps closed. B C—Forceps open. E—Thimble.

Larger illustration.

This method of castration has been modified in many ways, both as to the forms of the instruments used, and the mode of using them, a majority of operators, at the present time even, discarding the dilator, and making the incision simply by stretching the walls of the vagina and pushing against the neck of the uterus with the hand. The manner in which the removal of the ovaries is effected has also been subjected to many changes. For more than twenty years, during which we have been performing the operation, we have been accustomed to use the ecraseur in the last step, and with excellent and satisfactory results.

The subsequent attention required by the spayed cow is usually a very simple matter, and involves little beyond careful dieting, the patient recovering from the general effects upon the system usually in a few days.

COMPLICATIONS.

It may properly be said that there are no complications likely to follow the process in the castration of cows, which may be denominated serious. In the statistics which record the mortality attending it, the fatal cases are represented at the very trifling rate of two per cent. A light colic may sometimes follow it, but it usually subsides without medical treatment. Still, however, spaying may at times be accompanied by accidents of a serious character, though these have considerably diminished in frequency since the introduction of the method of Charlier. One of these is

HEMORRHAGE,

which may occur when the torsion or the crushing of the artery has not been sufficiently complete. But though it is likely to give rise to peritonitis, it is not necessarily a fatal complication. We have ourselves known of cases of its occurrence in mares which had survived it a number of days, and when destroyed exhibited none of the lesions of that affection.

PERITONITIS.

We have several times met with this sequel to the operation, especially in mares. But in these cases, as revealed by post mortem investigation, the disease seemed generally to have remained localized. Less common than prior to the practice of castration per vagina, it still is followed by fatal consequences when the entire peritoneum becomes diseased. Its appearance usually occurs from the third to the sixth day. There is suspension of the milky secretion, general dullness, chills, anorexia, suspension of rumination, rapid, small and thready pulse, sometimes painful respiration, rapid loss of flesh, and speedily—death. The indications of treatment are similar to those which are applicable to peritonitis in the solipeds, but the prognosis is always serious.

ABSCESS IN THE PELVIC CAVITY.

This is a complication we have quite often encountered. Besides the general symptoms, there are those of a local character, which are detected by rectal examination, by which discovery is made of the presence of a tumor on one side or the other of the vagina, varying in size, fluctuating, and easily identified. This abscess may be opened in the cavity of the vagina, and should be attended to as soon as discovery is made of the fluctuating character of the growth, without waiting for the process of natural resolution.

SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA.

Emphysema of the subcutaneous connective tissue is said to be a common sequel to the flank operation. Its appearance need not excite any special uneasiness, as its termination is usually by spontaneous disappearance. It is an accident we have never encountered in our practice.

CONSTIPATION.

This complication, which is often met with in mares, is to be carefully looked for, and must be relieved by laxative food and rectal injections. It is due to the pain which accompanies defecation while the wound of the vagina is healing, and which the animal tries to avoid by keeping the rectum full.

CASTRATION OF THE SMALL ANIMALS.

SMALL RUMINANTS.

For these subjects, two modes of operation are to be principally recommended. The first is the double subcutaneous torsion; the other the ligature en masse of the cord and its envelopes. Having already considered these operations, a passing reference will suffice here.

FOR SWINE.

In males, the varying modes employed are the ligature, limited torsion, and the clamps.

Fig. 41.

GENITAL ORGANS OF A YOUNG SOW.

(Median and antero-posterior section). 1—Ovary. 2—Horn of the uterus. 3—Body of the uterus. 4—Rectum. 5—Vagina. 6—Bladder. 7—Kidney. 9—Intestines. 10—Stump of one of the horns of the uterus.

Fig. 42.

BISTOURY FOR THE CASTRATION OF SOW.

(Division of the flank).

In females, it must be remembered that the horns of the uterus are very long and flexuous (Fig. 41), and that the very small ovaries are situated on the inside of the broad ligaments, which are very large, and allow the horns to float freely amongst the circumvolutions of the intestines. The animal must be prepared by being secured upon the right side in order to expose the left flank. The incision is made with a knife of peculiar form (Fig. 42), the coarse bristles having been previously closely clipped off. Care should be taken to carry the left leg in extension backwards, in such a manner that the edges of the various tissues divided shall not meet each other when the operation is completed. The incision may be made either vertically, horizontally, or obliquely. When vertical it should be immediately below the lumbar vertebra next to the last rib; if horizontal it should be parallel with the vertebral column. The vertical incision should be preferred, because it brings the ovaries within easy reach of the fingers. It should be from two to three inches in length, and should be made by a single stroke of the knife, and without dividing the peritoneum, which should, afterwards, be either torn with the finger or carefully cut while raised with the forceps. To find the ovaries the operator introduces the index finger of the right hand between the vertebral column and the intestines, and explores the lumbar region. Upon finding the ovarian sac, he presses it against the abdominal wall and causes it to slide by pushing towards the opening through which it is extruded and grasped. While it is held there the left horn is carefully drawn out after it, until arriving at the bifurcation of the horns at the uterus, the right horn also is brought out and the ovary on that side secured. Both glands being now outside, they are torn or scraped off from their attachment, and the horns are returned to the abdomen.

While this process is readily applicable to young sows, and requires a certain amount of practice to be performed expertly and with success, it is slightly modified when applied to older animals. In that case the two horns must not be exposed outside together, but each must be returned when the removal of the ovary connected with it has been effected.

The simple tearing of the ovaries is not always sufficient, and may be sometimes followed by serious hemorrhage. The scraping and the torsion are safer, and in some instances the ligature has been applied. The incision is closed with the interrupted or, which is preferable, the continued suture. No special after-treatment is required beyond low diet for a few days, with a little extra attention to cleanliness.

The operation may at times be rendered difficult by exceptional and accidental conditions, as, for example, the shortness of the fingers of the operator. This difficulty, however, can be overcome by placing a bundle of straw or other substance under the right flank, which, by raising the body displaces the intestines upwards and crowds the ovary towards the left flank.

It may also happen, as sometimes with old sows, that the ovary has become the seat of large cysts, or that its size is increased in consequence of pathological changes in its structure. In the first case, the cyst may be punctured and emptied with a trochar before attempting the obliteration of the organ. In the second, the opening into the abdomen must be enlarged sufficiently to permit the exit of the extra bulk.

If through inadvertence the operation has been begun while the animal is in a state of pregnancy, the proceeding must be discontinued, the patient kept quiet and the matter indefinitely postponed.

Fig. 43.

GENITAL ORGANS OF THE BITCH.

1—Ovary. 2—Fold of the broad ligament, displaced to expose the ovary. 3—Internal fold of the same. 4—Broad ligaments. 5—Horn of the uterus. 6—Its body. 7—Rectum. 8—Vagina. 9—Kidney. 10—Bladder. 11—Descending colon.

DOGS.

The male is altered by either the process of excision, torsion, or ligature, according to the age and size of the animal.

In the female, when, as is sometimes supposed, it becomes a preventive measure in respect to hydrophobia—though if it be so, it can only be from the fact that a castrated bitch will usually remain at home while others are running abroad in heat, and thus being more exposed to contagion—the operation is only justifiable in the case of house dogs, domestic pets, in order to obviate the annoyance caused to their owners by their demonstrations while in heat. In the bitch the broad ligaments are very long (Fig. 43), extending as far as the hypochondriac region, where they divide into an external layer, which reaches to the last rib, while the other extends to the sub-lumbar region behind the diaphragm. The broad ligaments diminish in height as they run forward in such a way that the anterior border of the external layer where the ovary is found, shorter in its median part, gives a certain amount of fixity to the anterior extremity of the horns which it keeps elevated in each hypochondriac region; on that account both horns cannot be at one time brought through the incision, and it becomes generally necessary in the bitch to operate on each side.

The manipulations are similar to those followed in spaying sows, with the exception that the incision is made lower, more forward and nearer to the last rib.

CASTRATION OF FOWLS.

The effect of this operation upon the quality of the flesh and the power of accumulating fat, in the domestic fowl is a fact too familiar to those who have learned to appreciate the exquisite juicy quality of the meat of the capon to need any comment at our hands. The operation upon these animals is one of considerable difficulty and requires skill and experience to perform with nicety and success.

In birds the testicles are situated in the abdominal cavity, immediately behind the lungs, under the vertebral column and in front of the kidneys (Fig. 44). They correspond exactly to the articulation of the last three ribs with the spinal column, where they lie close together and in contact with the blood vessels which separate them from the kidneys. They are held in position by the peritoneum spread above them, and by minute blood vessels, branches of the aorta or of the vena cava.

Fig. 44.

GENITAL ORGAN OF THE ROOSTER.

1.—Testicle. 2a, 2d.—Deferent canals. 3.—Ureters. 4.—Cloacum. 5.—Posterior aorta. 7.—Posterior vena cava. 8, 9, 10.—Three last ribs. 11.—Pelvic bones.

Large illustration

In the operation the fowl is placed on his side, the tail being towards the operator, with the hind leg carried backwards, in order to expose the flank of the side selected for the incision. The first step of the operation consists in plucking the feathers from a sufficient extent of surface, and making an incision a little behind the lateral internal processes of the sternum, from within outwards, and from before backwards, and slightly oblique, through the skin and the thin muscles of the abdomen, and when reaching the peritoneum carefully opening it with a puncture, having it raised with a pair of forceps. The second step, or that which involves the extirpation of the gland, is performed by the introduction of the index finger of the right hand into the abdomen, passing it above the intestinal mass and turning towards the dorsal region near the articulation of the last two ribs, where the testicles are felt, prominent at the sub-lumbar region. Then, with the fingers half flexed, the adhesions of the organ are broken off, and the organ, held in the bend of the finger, is brought outside. The second testicle is removed by the same process. If the testicles should slip from the grasp of the finger, the accident is of little account, as they will graft themselves upon the walls of the abdomen, and in time disappear by resolution. The operation is concluded by the closing of the wound by stitches of interrupted suture, and the healing usually takes place by first intention.

The operation is performed in the hen in the same manner as with the male bird, the ovaries being found in the lumbar region, from which they are removed by the same manipulations that are employed in caponing.

Young fowls about in their third month, are usually selected as the victims of this epicurean barbarity.

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