Eruptive Venereal Disease of the Horse 769 



The extent of disease in the urethra has not been investi- 

 gated. It is only known that there is a urethral inflamma- 

 tion and dicharge and that it is infective. The mere wash- 

 ing of the penis and prepuce can not, therefore, bring about 

 effective disinfection, but the urethra needs be included. 

 The urethral injection is best made by means of a hospital 

 irrigator with a small rubber horse catheter attached. The 

 end of the catheter is inserted into the urethral opening and 

 retained there while the antiseptic solution is forced upward 

 by gravity as far as is deemed necessary. Should some of 

 the fluid reach the bladder, it will not prove dangerous, but 

 it is well not to overfill the urethral passage, lest the infec- 

 tive discharges be forced up into the bladder. The external 

 ulcers resulting from the pustules may be touched lightly 

 with stick nitrate of silver. The animal needs be kept as 

 free as possible from sexual excitement, but should be given 

 gentle exercise, along with a restricted, laxative diet. The 

 stallion may be returned to the stud as soon as all evidences 

 of disease have disappeared but it is advisable to continue 

 the disinfection, especially after each service. 



The handling of the mare should be along the same gen- 

 eral line and should be persevered in until all symptoms 

 have disappeared. As a general rule, she will recover suffi- 

 ciently during the interval between two estrual periods that 

 she may again be bred at the first return of estrum since the 

 contraction of the disease, should she not prove to be in foal. 



The differentiation of this affection from dourine is highly 

 important, but has already been discussed. 



There is little need for police control, since the symptoms 

 are so prominent that laymen promptly note it and volun- 

 tarily withdraw the affected animals from breeding until 

 recovery has occurred. Should there at any time be a ten- 

 dency to negligence the affected animals should be promptly 

 quarantined until all danger has passed. 



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