Ovariotomy, and the Castration of Cryptorchid Horses

The Veter£nary Journal. In appearance and structure this Lusus naturre bears a close resemblance to the mole on the human skin. The presence of the tumour does not apparently cause any inconvenience to the puppy, beyond a slight increase in the flow of the lachrymal fluid. This case closely resembles that described by Mr. Robertson ; indeed, the only difference, excepting size, is the colour of the tumour, and this is easily accounted for by the absence of pigmentous colouring matter in the sclerotica of the dog's eye. Are these hairy tumours hereditary? If so, it would be unadvisable to breed from animals possessing them. · The eyes of both parents of the puppy above alluded to are perfectly normal. [In the next number of the Joumal we shall publish an interesting sketch of an Ocular Dermatoma, forwarded by Professor Walley.] OVARIOTOMY, AND THE CASTRATION OF CRYPTORCHID HOR SES. ~Twill be seen from our advertisement sheet that Mr. T. C. Miles, of Illinois, Intends to visit this countrv in summer in order to demonstrate his method of perform ing ovariotomy on cows- an d if need be, on mares; and also his procedure for emasculating cryptorchid animals,:or "rigs," as they are usually termed. · _Ovariotomy, or "spaying," though much practised on the Continent, and sti_II more extensively in America, on cows, is seldom or never performed in this country; and perhaps we are correct in asserting the same with regard to. cryptorchids. The advantages of the first-named operation in the cow we will refer to in our next issue ; the benefits to be derived from it in several conditions in the mare are obvious ; while there can be no doubt whatever as t? the utility of a method of castrating h orses which have one or both testicles retained either in the inguinal canal or the abdomen. We have m ade every inquiry in this country, and cannot discover that the latter operation is ever practised. Mr. Miles, as a renowned operator, appears to have been most successful; for we learn that in 1874 he castrated 2 14"ridglings,'' and only five died. During five years, in ten States, h e castrated I IOO cryptorchids, a nd spayed over 2000 head of cattle and some mares. The ecraseur is the instrument employed to excise the testicle ; and he recommends working the horse every day after the operation, no matter what the weather may be, as recovery is more rapid. V.' e fear that his proffered !ecompense if we can show him a better, safer, or more expeditious method, IS not likely to be claimed. The immense herds of cattle and droves of horses in some parts of America offer this kind of specialist advantages which no one in this country can avaii himself of. Mr. Miles' wonderful dexterity and success is certified to by some very competent authorities in America, and we hope he may obtain plenty of subjects in this country upon which to demonstrate his valuable skill.