While castrating the kids the operator will discover that some of the
kids have but one descended testicle. When these animals are found the
descended testicle should be removed, and they should be recognized by
some distinctive ear mark or brand. These animals will develop like
bucks. It is a disputed question as to whether they are able to exercise
regenerative power, but they will cover the does, and in some cases they
probably get kids. The undescended testicle can be removed, but as the
testicle usually lies close to the kidney, and is hard to distinguish
from that organ in the young animal, it is best to delay the operation
until the ridgling is at least six months old. The instruments necessary
for this operation are a stout rope to suspend the animal, a clean sharp
knife, scissors to remove the mohair from the place to be incised, and
sharp needles threaded with silk. The knife, scissors and silk should be
immersed in a hot 5% carbolic acid solution, and they should be kept in
this solution except when actually in use.
The rope is fastened to the hind legs of the animal and he is suspended
in midair. An assistant steadies the body of the goat. The operator
selects a place on the loin of the goat, about two or three inches away
from the backbone, below the ribs and above the hip bone, on the side
opposite to that which the descended testicle occupied. He then shears
the mohair from this part of the goat. The mohair should be removed
from a space at least eight inches square. A lengthwise incision is then
made through the skin and muscles, or after the skin is cut, the muscles
can be separated with the fingers and the testicle is found. It usually
lies close to the backbone, to the lower and inner side of the kidney.
It is usually undeveloped and much smaller than the kidney. Its surface
is smooth and not indented like the kidney. When it is discovered it can
be withdrawn through the opening, and adherent tissue clipped with the
scissors. The muscles and skin should be brought together with the silk
thread. The needles should pierce the muscles as well as the skin, and
the edges of the skin should approximate. No hair should be allowed to
remain between the cut surfaces, as the wound will not heal rapidly.
After the wound is closed some boracic acid powder may be dusted over
the wound, and the goat allowed his freedom. After ten days or two weeks
the silk threads should be cut and drawn out, as they will not absorb,
and they will irritate the wound. If this operation is carefully
performed, and strict cleanliness adhered to, less than 2% of the
animals operated upon will die.