I 



HYDROCELE 695 



It is hardly necessary to add that the boar should be removed 

 from the rest of the herd and kept quiet for several days. The 

 diet should be of a light, sloppy nature and contain plenty of liquid. 



After the acute inflammation has subsided, if there is any tend- 

 ency to induration and hardening, applications of iodin should be 

 made. Lugol's solution makes an excellent appUcation in these 

 cases. It contains iodin crystals, 1 part; iodid of potassium, 2 

 parts; water, 20 parts. This should be applied freely every day. 

 Internally, 20 gr. of iodid of potassium may be given with the 

 feed every morning. This will hasten absorption of any exudate 

 formed and in many cases prevent steriUty. 



HYDROCELE (WATER IN THE SCROTUM, WATER SEED) 



Causes. — Water seed is rather an infrequent condition to meet 

 with in the hog. It consists of a collection of a water-hke fluid in 

 the scrotum, and is due to an inflammation of the covering mem- 

 brane of the testicle, which is known as the tunica vaginalis. The 

 hydrocele may be a result of an injury to the testicle or scrotum, as 

 in the case of orchitis — a condition which it often comphcates. 

 In like manner, after injection of serum, fluid may be formed in the 

 scrotal sac. 



What is commonly classed as a water seed follows careless cas- 

 tration in which the tunica vaginaUs is left behind. This forms a sac 

 which secretes a watery fluid that collects as a water bag or water 

 seed. The water seed is much more common in horses than in hogs. 



Symptoms. — The only symptom noted, and the one by which 

 diagnosis is made, is the presence of a large, soft, fluctuating tumor 

 in the region of the scrotum. This swelling is more marked at the 

 lower border of the scrotum, and, when taken hold of with the hand, 

 is found to be painless and filled with fluid. If this be tapped the 

 fluid will run out, but .it re-forms, and the swelling thus recurs in a 

 few days. 



This condition differs from the scrotal swelling seen with orchitis, 

 in that it comes on more slowly and is painless in character. It is 

 also unaccompanied by any symptoms of fever, depression, or loss 

 of appetite. 



Treatment. — As far as any danger to life is concerned, the con- 

 dition may be left untreated. It produces but little inconvenience 



