A rapid technique for observing the reproductive tract of living ewes.

T H E Sheep Laparotomy Cradle as described by Lamond and Urquhart (1961) in conjunction with a local anesthetic greatly facilitates laparotomies for observations of the reproductive tract. However, large ewes are extremely difficult to raise high enough on the cradle for convenient observations and they are not adequately restrained. The position of the head and shoulders also interferes with access for surgery. The common technique of exteriorizing the reproductive organs through a mid-ventral incision results in a variable amount of traumatization, contamination and dehydration which appears to increase the incidence and degree of adhesions. A technique for observing the reproductive tract inside the body cavity should materially reduce this problem. Lamond and Holmes (1965) describe the use of an endoscope for ovarian examination of the cow. This paper describes a laparotomy technique using a plastic speculum for rapidly and accurately observing ovarian structures within the peritoneal cavity of the ewe. The technique involves the use of a new laparotomy restraining device (LRD). This device is also described. The LRD was developed to reduce labor and to make the entire operation more efficient.