652 INFLAMMATION OF THE PREPUCE IN THE HORSE. 



discharged in drops. Geldings frequently suffer from this condition, 

 which also affects entire horses. 



Local examination discovers narrowing of the opening of the 

 sheath by accumulation of preputial smegma which also fills the 

 sub-urethral sinus. Cadiot saw a horse in which the sheath had become 

 so enormously enlarged that it hung down as low as the hocks ; the 

 condition had been brought about by a wound of the prepuce; which 

 was followed by adhesion between it and the penis ; urine was then 

 passed into the sheath. Partial removal of the sheath was followed 

 by recovery. 



In many districts horses suffering from colic or difficulty in 

 urination are treated by rubbing the penis and sheath with irritant 

 substances like pepper, which afterwards produce extensive painful 

 swelling of the penis and sheath, exudation from the surface, and 

 finally ulceration. If applied freely and energetically they may even 

 cause necrosis of the skin ; the penis then protrudes from the sheath 

 in a more or less swollen condition, while the preputial fold may be 

 as large as a goose's egg. The inflamed parts are doughy, painful, 

 of increased temperature ; and if the penis itself, or the prepuce 

 covering it, is greatly swollen, the pressure on the urethra may 

 interfere with urination. Inquiry generally reveals the nature of 

 the substance employed. 



The inflammatory symptoms generally disappear without having 

 caused permanent damage, though the sequel depends largely on 

 their degree and extent. Provided urination is unimpeded, no very 

 l»;td results need be apprehended, but when paraphymosis sets in, 

 as is sometimes Hie case, treatment becomes difficult. 



Treatment consists in cleansing the prepuce, particularly the 

 sub-urethral sinus, so as to allow free exit of urine. Washing with 

 warm water and soap assists the removal of smegma. As a rule, 

 this causes immediate improvement and if the sheath be regularly 

 cleansed the case usually does well. Inflammation of the prepuce 

 and penis produced by irritants like pepper calls for careful cleansing 

 of the parts and bathing with astringents such as alum lotion. 

 Excoriated parts may be covered with a non-irritant fat. with zinc 

 or lead ointment, or powdered with iodoform, tannin, lycopodium, 

 or similar materials. To assist resorption and removal of swelling, 

 a suspensory bandage may be applied, and the animal placed in a 

 clean dry stall. 



Where the opening in the sheath is much diminished in calibre, 

 it may require to be laid open, which in quiet animals can be done 

 standing. To prevent the edges of the wound reuniting, they can 



