678 INFLAMMATION OF THE SPERMATIC CORD. 



cavity. Less frequently the lower end of the cord is not attacked, 

 and the swelling begins an inch or two above. At the point where 

 the swelling is in contact with the skin, it is always attached to the 

 base of the scrotum. 



The fistulous opening is small and funnel-shaped, and discharges 

 a variable quantity of pus ; a probe can be passed 2 to 4 inches 

 into it. 



Cadiot and Dollar ("Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Surgery") 

 describe a case of deep-seated inguinal abscess after castration. The 

 condition simulated scirrhous cord. There was diffuse induration in the 

 left inguinal region, extending over the abdomen beyond the sheath. The 

 horse showed fever and was lame on the left leg, which was abducted during 

 movement. Examination per rectum revealed in the prepubic region, 

 opposite the left inguinal ring, a diffuse, rounded, smooth swelling, which 

 was diagnosed as an abscess. The animal was cast, the inguinal canal 

 examined, and a large abscess containing two quarts of pus was opened. 

 By drainage and antiseptic dressing the abscess cavity closed so far that 

 five weeks after operation the horse was able to return home. 



In another case described by the above writers, the growth, by 

 pressing on the infero-lateral surface of the penis, caused difficulty 

 in micturition. Extirpation was followed by recovery. 



Prognosis. As cure depends on complete excision, it is necessary 

 to ascertain whether operation is possible, how far the cord is 

 diseased, and then whether all diseased parts can be removed. Ex- 

 tension of the disease into the abdominal cavity renders the condition 

 incurable. Examination from without and from the rectum will 

 determine the dimensions of the growth ; of 100 cases submitted 

 to Moller, all proved amenable to treatment. 



Treatment. Preventive measures are of great importance. 

 Antiseptics should be freely used before and after castration ; clams 

 should be properly shaped, and, in applying them, the posterior part 

 of the cord should not be cut through ; ligatures if used should be 

 sterilised. After removing the clams, the spermatic cords should 

 be completely returned to the tunica vaginalis, and escape of dis- 

 charges promoted by exercising the animal. 



When inflammation has become chronic, neither potassium 

 iodide internally, iodine injections, setons dressed with sublimate, 

 nor the use of the actual cautery, commonly succeed, though where 

 operation is impossible they may be tried. Sublimate setons and 

 the cautery are perhaps more efficient than injections ; but when 

 the spermatic cord is extensively diseased, removal of the diseased 

 part is alone useful. Though the period of acute cellulitis must 

 be avoided, there should be no hesitation in performing the operation, 



