208 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



point of the sheath is much swollen it is well to tap it in a 

 few places with a sharp penknife or lance to allow the watery 

 fluid to escape. Feed plenty of soft food containing boiled 

 flaxseed, and give gentle exercise every day. If the case has 

 been allowed to remain till the cord becomes diseased up 

 through the ring in the rim of the belly it becomes hopeless. 



13. Peritonitis Following Castration. 



This is inflammation of the lining of the scrotum and the 

 lining of the abdominal or belly cavity. Peritonitis is more 

 fully dealt with in Chapter IV. 



Causes. — This may be the result of exposure — standing 

 in cold east winds, in cold rains or lying on the cold, damp 

 ground — of the use of severe medicine in the clamps or of a 

 bungling operation. The inflammation commences in the 

 lining of the scrotum and extends upward through the ring 

 in the rim of the belly and spreads over the serous membrane 

 lining of the belly cavity. It usually makes its appearance 

 the third or fourth day after the operation. 



Symptoms. — The appetite is gone and the appearance 

 very dull. The colt appears to be cold. The cuts are swollen 

 and a bloody watery fluid dribbles from them. As these 

 symptoms become more intense there is indication of pain. 

 He lies down frequently and breathes heavily as if the lungs 

 were affected. In warm weather there is inclination to sweat 

 freely. The pulse is weak and fast, ranging from 60 to 70 

 per minute. Should he have the use of his bowels the 

 manure is covered with slime and the urine presents a 

 reddish appearance. It is a very weakening disease and if 

 not checked soon ends in death. 



Treatment. — For a yearling colt give the following: 



Laudanum Vz ounce, or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 



Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 



Raw Linseed Oil 1 pint. 



Mix thoroughly and give as a drench. If not relieved in 



three hours give: 



Laudanum Yz ounce, or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 



Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 



Mix in half pint of lukewarm water and give as a 



drench every three hours until better. Keep him warm by 



blanketing and apply a mustard plaster over the bowels until 



relieved. Poultice the cuts with a hot poultice of linseed 



