696 DISEASES OF SWINE 



to the hog unless it becomes very large. It does, however, make a 

 bad blemish, and it is often desirable to remove it. Before starting 

 any treatment the tumor mass should be carefully examined, to 

 make sure that it is not a rupture instead of a collection of fluid. 

 This can be done by carefully palpating the swelling and working 

 it between the thumb and fingers. If there are loops of gut present 

 they can be made out quite distinctly from a mere collection of 

 fluid. 



If treatment is decided upon in the case of an uncastrated ani- 

 mal a small trocar and cannula should be obtained and sterilized by 

 boiling. This is now plunged through the skin of the scrotum and 

 the fluid allowed to drain off through the cannula. After the fluid 

 has all come away, and while the cannula is still in the sac, tincture 

 of iodin should be injected through the tube and this thoroughly 

 worked around inside the sac. The iodin acts as an irritant and sets 

 up an inflammation which closes the empty space and prevents 

 recurrence of the fluid collection. In some cases the entire sac is 

 not destroyed at the first injection, and it may be necessary to re- 

 peat the operation a few weeks after. 



In case of a castrated animal with a water seed the proper 

 treatment consists in opening into the scrotum and dissecting out 

 the sac, tjdng it across at its upper end, and with a sharp knife 

 or scissors cutting the sac away and removing it. 



HEMATOCELE (BLOOD IN THE SCROTUM) 



Hematocele is a condition very similar to water seed, except 

 for the fact that the fluid present in the scrotum in this case is 

 blood instead 'of water or serum. It is especially likely to occur 

 after severe bruising injuries to the scrotum or testicles. The 

 symptoms and treatment do not differ materially from those given 

 for hydrocele. 



INFLAMMATION OF SHEATH 



Causes. — In the male animal accumulation of secretions and 

 dirt in the sheath and the folds of its lining membrane may cause a 

 quite severe degree of irritation, and finally set up an inflammation. 

 Pus germs enter and bury themselves in the glands that line the 

 canal. They begin the formation of pus, and it is only a short time 



