DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 207 



fluid to drip out. This helps to relieve the swelling. After 

 a good bathing and the swelling is reduced, put salty butter 

 on the finger and open the cuts well. This allows any 

 discharge that is formed above to run out. After the bathing 

 and the opening of the cuts, apply a poultice of hot linseed 

 and bran; hold this poultice to the cuts by means of strings 

 over the back. It is not necessary to tap the sheath and open 

 the cut every time the swelling is dressed — once a day is all 

 that is necessary. Bathe and apply hot poultices three or 

 four times a day to allay the inflammation, and if there is 

 poison in the cut, the poultice and hot water will draw it out. 

 Feed on soft food and give gentle exercise, which also has a 

 tendency to take down the swelling. As soon as the colt 

 begins to eat, and there is a good healthy white discharge 

 from the cuts, the danger may be considered over. 



12. Scirrhus Cord. 



This is a growth on the end of the cord. 



Causes. — It may be caused by pulling the cord down 

 when removing the clamp. The colt may pull the cord down 

 by biting at himself to relieve the itching. If allowed to 

 remain in this position the cut heals around it, leaving the 

 end exposed to the air. Exposure causes irritation and in 

 time it becomes diseased and a growth forms on the end. 



Treatment. — This is easily checked if taken in time. 

 Soften the cut by bathing in warm water. Smear the fingers 

 with butter and break the cord loose from the skin. Force it 

 back into the bag and the danger of further difficulty is past. 



Should it be neglected and get very large, an operation is 

 necessary. After casting and tieing securely, break the cord 

 from the skin, using the finger and thumb smeared with 

 butter. Should it be impossible to entirely free the cord with 

 the hand, use a sharp knife. When the cord is entirely 

 loosened attach a clamp, in the usual manner, in such a 

 position that the diseased portions may be cut away. In two 

 or three days remove the clamp as in ordinary cases of 

 castration. The diseased portions may be cut away with the 

 ecraseur, and in the majority of cases this instrument works 

 to better satisfaction. 



Should there be much swelling follow this operation here 

 outlined, bathe with lukewarm water three or four times a 

 day, and after each bathing apply the white lotion. If the 



