632 DISEASES OF THE BLADDER, ETC. 



The acciTmulation within the vesicle seems to be due to some 

 cause of obstruction in the ejaculatory duct, for by firm yet gentle 

 pressure the contents can be forced out, and the tumour reduced in 

 a few minutes, the contents being discharged through the urethra. 

 If the symptoms recur, it will be necessary to repeat the ex- 

 amination, and again press out the accumulation. 



PHYMOSIS, 



" A morbid condition of the prepuce or sheath, which, from con- 

 traction of the orifice, prevents the drawing or exit of the penis." 

 — (Percivall.) 



Phymosis is the result of inflammation or engorgement of the 

 sheath round about the orifice, or of enlargement of the glans 

 penis, or of co-existence of these states. Blows, kicks, contu- 

 sions, wounds, abscesses within the sheath, the presence of warts 

 or excrescences of any kind, polypi even, may all be set down 

 as occasional causes. In geldings the penis becomes diminished 

 in volume and length, so much so in some horses as not to 

 appear protruded in the act of urination; in which case the 

 sebaceous secretion furnished by the interior of the prepuce 

 accumulates within the folds of the integument, and acquires, 

 by detention, irritating properties, which cause the glans penis 

 to inflame and sw^eU to that degree that the animal can no 

 longer pass his urine. In addition to these causes phymosis is 

 occasionally seen when the sheath is much swollen from oedema, 

 produced by want of exercise, disease, the stings of insects, or 

 castration. 



The treatment must depend upon the cause. If that be inflam- 

 matory, antiphlogistics, fomentations, and perhaps scarifications ; 

 if oedematous, scarifications, frictions with the hand, exercise, 

 diuretics, or purgatives, as the case may be; and when asso- 

 ciated with debilitating diseases, tonics and good food. Cold 

 fomentations are generally of great service. 



PARAPHYMOSIS. 



The penis is protruded in paraphymosis, and cannot be with- 

 drawn within the sheath. It may arise from a weakened con- 

 dition of the penis, sometimes associated with debilitating 



