[15] Although we recommend that cows be confined in the trevis for the
purpose of performing this operation, it by no means follows that it
cannot be done as well in other ways. In fact, the trevis is
inadmissible where chloroform is used. The animal must be cast in order
to use that agent with any degree of safety. If the trevis is not at
hand, we should prefer to operate, having the cow secured to the floor,
or held in that position by trusty assistants. We lately operated on a
cow, the property of Mr. C. Drake of Holliston, in this state, under
very unfavorable circumstances; yet, as will appear from the
accompanying note, the cow is likely to do well, notwithstanding. The
history of the case is as follows: We were sent for by Mr. D. to see a
heifer having a swelling under the jaw, which proved to be a scirrhous
gland. After giving our opinion and prescribing the usual remedies, the
conversation turned upon spaying cattle; and Mr. D. remarked that he had
a five year old cow, on which we might, if we chose, operate. This we
rather objected to at first, as the cow was in a state of plethora, and
the stomach very much distended with food; yet, as the owner appeared
willing to share the responsibility, we consented to perform the
operation. The cow was accordingly cast, in the usual manner, she lying
on her right side, her head being firmly held by an assistant. We then
made an incision through the skin, muscles, and peritoneum. The hand was
then introduced, and each ovary in its turn brought as near to the
external wound as possible, and separated from its attachment with a
button-pointed bistoury. The wound was then brought together with four
interrupted sutures, and dressed as already described. Directions were
given to keep the animal quiet, and on a light diet: the calf, which was
four weeks old, to suckle as usual. The operation was performed on the
17th of January, 1851, and on the 27th, the following communication was
received:--