684 DISEASES OF THE BLADDER, ETC. 



debility, or of any disease accompanied by pendulosity of the 

 penis, and oedema of the sbeath, legs, and under parts of the 

 abdomen, the local treatment must be directed to prevent partial 

 strangulation of the penis, by puncturing the sheath, fomenting 

 with cold water, and applying friction to the part ; the general 

 system being at the same time treated by diuretics to stimulate 

 and promote the absorption of the effusion ; tonics, and more 

 especially a combination of nux vomica and iron, to excite the 

 appetite, to promote the assimilation of the food, and act as a 

 nervine tonic upon the structures of the weakened muscles of 

 tlie system generally, and upon those of the penis more particu- 

 larly ; and, in addition, the horse must have good food, regular 

 exercise, and careful grooming. 



Should actual inflammation of the penis exist, with great 

 engorgement of its vessels, and a tense, shining swelling of its 

 whole substance, it may be necessary to suspend it ; at the same 

 time making use of the suspensory bandages for the application 

 of soft poultices, as boiled turnips, to as much as can be covered 

 of the inflamed structures. 



For the rapid reduction of the swelling — and this is a point 

 of much importance — cold applications are preferable to w^arm ; 

 cold water, cold astringent lotions, and cold poultices. In addi- 

 tion to scarifications, in all cases that admit it, exercise is useful, 

 by removing venous engorgement and exciting the absorption of 

 fluids. In cases resulting from an accident or an operation, it 

 may be necessary to give a purgative, or, perhaps, anodynes and 

 sedatives ; but in those arising from debility, except, indeed, the 

 local symptoms are very severe, depletion of any kind is to be 

 avoided. 



Mr Broad of Bath recommended the following treatment : — 



Put the penis into a tight elastic stocking by squeezing it 

 with the hands, and as it reduces, lessen the size of the stocking, 

 and suspend the penis as much as possible. If there be much 

 effusion into the surrounding tissues, apply a wide canvas band, 

 with long straps and buckles, round the body, so as to support 

 and cause pressure to the swollen tissues. A few hours' com- 

 pression from the stocking wiU often reduce it sufiiciently to 

 enable the horse to retract it. 



