88 ANIMAL CASTRATION. 



its appearance a short time after the alteration is 

 accomplished. It usually first affects the parts 

 immediately around the edges of the wound, 

 and spreads forwards and upwards in such a 

 manner that the entire scrotum and sheath be- 

 come the seat of it. It is somewhat warm, tense, 

 and slightly painful. If there is no increase beyond 

 these limits, there is no occasion for alarm, as by 

 exercise, fomentations, and scarifications, with the 

 administration of diuretics, it ordinarily subsides. 

 But if it continues to increase, and extends upwards 

 and backwards, involving the inside of the thighs 

 and the perineum, loses its character of heat and 

 soreness, to become cold and painless, crepitating 

 under pressure, we must prepare to encounter the 

 most severe of all complications, that of gangrene, 

 requiring the most prompt and vigorous treatment, 

 as we shall presently see. It may also happen that 

 even while retaining the characterises of healthy 

 oedema, it may assume such dimensions that the 

 penis becomes so involved that phymosis and para- 

 phymosis may supervene, to add to the other com- 

 plications. These, however, are not serious sequelae, 

 as by proper care, with fomentations or scarifica- 

 tions, and the use of a suspensory bandage, they 

 may be readily overcome. 



GANGRENE. 



This accident may be looked for from the 

 fourth to the eighth day, manifesting itself not 

 only by the extent which the oedema of the scrota! 



