[quote]Found in a Bodyshoppe training memo, as they consider offering the service on an off-menu basis.  In the email to which it was attached, doubt was expressed that any special procedures were necessary for sprites, but a trans-vaginal endoscopic approach was suggested as a potential improvement for all customers.[/quote]

When gentling a dragonet at hatching, there is a generally agreed upon ideal order of operations.  This is based on the availability of, and the performance of, the ideal painkillers used in and around the process.  With other equipment, the process will change as a result of adapting the protocol to their properties.

Required:
Anaesthetic spray gun
Anaesthetic injection gun
Particle-proof shield, 1.5mm polymer or stainless steel
Microchip implanting syringe, factory sealed
Scalpel, #3 recommended.

Ahead of time:  Either prepare two presets on an anaesthetic injection gun, or two guns.  One preset should be set for approximately 1cm injection depth, the other should be a small intra-dermal injection into the mid-dermis.  Begin with the gun in the deep preset.  Test the microchip intended for implantation, and ensure the code matches the serial number on the packaging and insert.

Restraint or tranquilizer is unnecessary, though assistance is helpful.  Generally, the hatchling should be kept in a reclining position, but not prone.  Generally, if held in an assistant's lap, the hatchling's tail should be to the assistant's left, and the head to the assistan'ts right.  This facilitates the standard placement of the microchip implant above the right ear, exposing all areas of concern during the procedure, but without resting on the wings or causing distress by holding the young dragon on its back, which is generally poorly tolerated.  If the mother can be relied upon to participate, the dragonet may be nursing during the procedure.

Using the spray gun, begin by placing two puffs of aerosol over the groin, centering each injection on a testicle and completely encircling each with the two-standard-deviation dispersion ring.  Using your second hand, place the shield over the dragonet's ear so as to protect the earfin and ear opening from the overpressure produced by the spray gun, and apply one puff.  The spray gun and shield may be set aside for the rest of the procedure.

Switch to the injection gun - at its deep preset, or the deep-injecting gun - and inject local anaesthetic into each testicle.  The hatchling should show no signs of distress during this process.

Switch to either the shallow gun, or the shallow, low-dose configuration stop.  Apply two intradermal injections above the patient's right ear, one at the planned site of the injection, and one directly caudally over where the implant will be placed.  You may now set aside the injection gun for the remainder of the procedure.

Switch ends, and switch to the scalpel.  Take the testicles in your off hand, grasping between the side of your index finger and thumb, and hold them from cranial and caudal directions.  Cutting toward yourself, make one incision across both testicles.  You may also use a hooked blade, sharpened on the inner aspect, for this process if you prefer.  Set aside the scalpel.  Squeezing with your off hand should cause both testicles to spill out of the body.

Grasp the testicle, where it meets the cord, and pull it gently taut.  If the length permits, it is recommended to wrap the cord around your index finger.  Pull slowly but firmly, careful to not jerk, continuing even when resistance is met.  If performed proerly, a quiet and low-pitched tearing sound should be heard, and the testicle will move forward in stages.  Once all components of the sperm cord have broken, the testicle and cord will come away in their entirety.  The testicle may be set aside, and the process repeated.  

At this point, it is prudent to change gloves.

Take the microchip injector, and following the instructions for its use, place the needle on the mark left by the injection gun, and pinch the skin over the second mark. Injecting from cranially to caudally, insert the needle to the depth mark on the microchip injector.  Depress the plunger, simultaneously withdrawing the needle at the same rate such that the microchip remains in the same position under the skin as the needle is removed.

Hold the index finger of the left hand over the injection site, and ensure that the chip can be felt under the skin.  Apply a drop of surgical glue to the injection site, taking care not to glue your finger to the patient, and cover with small adhesive bandage.  Test microchip for successful read, and if both serial number and biometrics are successfully read, continue with this procedure.  If read fails, follow through with microchip replacement procedure on page xxx.

Close caudal incision with two to four butterfly bandages, and cover with kit-size gelding bandage, taking care that text on bandage is legible when kit is held.  Note that this is opposite the placement for adult patients who will be walking out of the office under their own power, often with a raised tail.

If requested, apply Elizabethian collar, then register microchip serial and public encryption key with medical records.  Return the kit to his family, demonstrating that microchip readout and records match.