316 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



been first passed through carbolic acid. In geldings it is best to dis- 

 sect out the sacs. 



VARICOCELE. 



This is an enlargement of the venous network of the spermatic 

 cord, and gives rise to general thickening of the cord from the tes- 

 ticle up to the ring. The same astringent dressings may be tried as 

 in hydrocele, and, this failing, castration may be resorted to. 



WARTS ON THE PENIS. 



These are best removed by seizing them between the thumb and 

 forefinger and twisting them off. Or they may be cut off with 

 scissors and the roots cauterized with nitrate of silver. 



EXTRAVASATION OF BLOOD IN THE PENIS. 



As the result of kicks, blows, or of forcible striking of the yard 

 on the thighs of the mare which it has failed to enter, the penis may 

 become the seat of effusion of blood from one or more ruptured blood 

 vessels. This gives rise to a more or less extensive swelling on one or 

 more sides, followed by some heat and inflammation, and on re- 

 covery a serious curving of the organ. The treatment in the early 

 stages may be the application of lotions, of alum, or other astrin- 

 gents, to limit the amount of effusion and favor absorption. The 

 penis should be suspended in a sling. 



PARALYSIS OF THE PENIS. 



This results from blows and other injuries, and also in some 

 cases from too frequent and exhausting service. The yard hangs 

 .from the sheath, flaccid, pendulous, and often cold. The passage of 

 urine occurs with lessened force, and especially without the final jets. 

 In cases of local injury the inflammation should first be subdued by 

 astringent and emollient lotions, and in all cases the system should 

 be invigorated by nourishing diet, while 80-grain doses of nux vomica 

 are given twice a day. Finally, a weak current of electricity sent 

 through the penis from just beneath the anus to the free portion of 

 the yard, continued for ten or fifteen minutes and repeated daily, 

 may prove successful. 



SELF-ABUSE, OR MASTURBATION. 



Some stallions acquire this vicious habit, stimulating the sexual 

 instinct to the discharge of semen by rubbing the penis against the 

 belly or between the fore limbs. The only remedy is a mechanical 

 one, the fixing of a net under the penis in such fashion as will pre- 

 vent the extension of the penis, or so prick the organ as to compel the 

 animal to desist through pain. 



CASTRATION OF STALLIONS. 



This is usually done at one year old, but may be accomplished 

 at a few weeks old at the expense of an imperfect development of the 

 fore parts. The simplicity and safety of the operation are greatest in 

 the young. The delay till two, three, or four years old will secure a 

 better development and carriage of the fore parts. The essential part 

 of castration is the safe removal or destruction of the testicle and the 

 arrest or prevention of bleeding from the spermatic artery found in 

 the anterior part of the cord. Into the many methods of accomplish- 

 ing this limited space forbids us to enter here, so that the method 



