184 Diseases of the Genital Organs 



arising from the presence in the blood stream of pathogenic 

 organisms having a distinct affinity for the genital organs. 

 The lesions figured and described are distinctly those of in- 

 fection and not of traumatism. 



Before diagnosing traumatic orchitis in any animal, one 

 should give ample consideration to the facts as stated and 

 should in addition know that there has been a severe trau- 

 matism of the gland or glands. 



It is quite possible that mechanical injury plays a very 

 important part in bringing about a crisis when infection is 

 already present within the gland. That is the general rule 

 in the etiology of disease in any organ of the body, and ap- 

 parently applies with special force to the diseases of the 

 genital organs. Thus Hendricks, to whom reference has 

 been made above, states that excessive coitus serves as a 

 fertile cause of this disease. Excessive coitus, however, 

 cannot be regarded as traumatism. It must, instead, be 

 looked upon as an overworking of a gland by which it be- 

 comes weakened and its tissues lose their power of resis- 

 tance toward disease-producing microorganisms which are 

 already present in the part. 



When the veterinarian feels justified in diagnosing trau- 

 matic orchitis, the prognosis will of course depend upon the 

 nature of the trauma. The treatment also needs to be ad- 

 justed to the general principles of surgery in harmony with 

 the character of the injury. Speaking generally, care should 

 be taken to obviate, as far as possible, the invasion of the 

 gland by bacteria because of injury to the skin and other 

 coverings. It is likewise important that the interferences 

 with the circulation in the testicles should be anticipated 

 and prevented, if possible, by the careful application of a 

 suspensorium. In ruminants, in addition to the suspenso- 

 rium, the testicles can be inclosed in a bandage of adhesive 

 tape in such a manner as to exert uniform and gentle pres- 

 sure upon the glands and thereby maintain the efficiency of 

 the circulation. Sexual excitement should be strictly avoided. 

 The bowels should be kept freely open as in any case of dis- 

 ease where fever is likely to occur, and the diet should be 

 properly adjusted. 



