DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 209 



meal and bran, which starts a healthy discharge from the 

 cuts. Warm the drinking water and feed soft food. Should 

 weakness follow recovery from this disease give a wineglass- 

 ful of whisky in a pint of oatmeal gruel three times a day 

 for a few days until strength is regained. It must be remem- 

 bered that in cases of this kind prompt action is necessary, as 

 when this disease gains a firm foothold the result is liable to 

 prove fatal. 



14. Lockjaw (Tetanus). 



This disease usually develops from the ninth to the 

 twenty-first day after castration, and generally follows a case 

 that is thought to be doing extra well. 



Causes. — The real cause is due to a microbe. It may 

 follow any kind of operation, or even a very slight injury. 

 Colts that are exposed to the cold, that have been allowed to 

 walk or stand in a river for any length of time after being 

 castrated, or allowed to run in a wet, marshy pasture, are in 

 danger of being attacked by it. ' 



For treatment and further particulars of this disease, 

 refer to "Lockjaw or Tetanus," which is dealt with more fully 

 in Chapter XVII. 



15. Blindness (Amaurosis). 



Blindness sometimes attacks a colt after castration, 

 especially if he should bleed profusely at the time. For full 

 particulars as to symptoms and treatment refer to Chanter 

 XIV. 



16. Enlarged Scrotum, or Water Seeds. 



This is quite a common consequence of castration, more 

 especially if the operation has been performed with the 

 ecraseur. It may follow an operation performed with clamps. 

 Many owners of castrated colts look upon it as being a case 

 of rupture and veterinary surgeons sometimes make the same 

 mistake. When properly understood it is easily cured. 



Cause.— One of the most prevalent causes is the healing 

 of the openings in the scrotum by first intention not having 

 the proper amount of separation to destroy the inside lining 

 of the scrotum. Small glands are situated in this lining, the 

 function of which is to secrete a fluid for the purpose of 

 lubricating the inside of the scrotum and the testicles to 

 prevent injury by friction when in the natural state. Should 



