The Nodular Venereal Disease 311 



The handling of balanitis consists essentially of cleanli- 

 ness. It has been stated that genital catarrh is essentially 

 universal in bulls. While its presence has been ignored 

 generally, there should be no doubt regarding its importance 

 in relation to the reproductive functions. Whenever the ca- 

 tarrh becomes at all advanced, the epithelium upon the sum- 

 mits of the granules or nodules becomes damaged and af- 

 fords an avenue for the entrance of other infections. It is 

 probably largely through these lesions that primary genital 

 tuberculosis is established, as has already been stated in 

 Chapter XIII. Consequently it is important, for the sexual 

 health of both the bull and the cows with which he copu- 

 lates, that the genital catarrh shall be held in abeyance at 

 all times and not permitted to become so exaggerated as to 

 interfere with coitus. According to present knowledge, it 

 seems highly probable that, when the genital catarrh of the 

 bull becomes severe, its existence must be inimical to the 

 welfare of the female with which he copulates. The infec- 

 tion, introduced deeply into the vagina, necessarily remains 

 behind, adding to the infection already present. While we 

 do not know the exact significance of the infection, it is im- 

 possible to conclude otherwise than that it is detrimental. 



The best method at present available for maintaining the 

 health of the prepuce, sheath and glans is by douching the 

 parts at frequent intervals, say two or three times a week, 

 when the bull is at rest, and thoroughly douching the parts 

 just prior to and immediately following each service. The 

 best apparatus for carrying out the douching plan is an or- 

 dinary agate hospital irrigator of one gallon capacity, to 

 which a pure gum douching catheter is attached. This in- 

 strument, the diameter of the ordinary horse catheter and 

 seven feet long, has the end rounded so that it may be intro- 

 duced freely and safely into the sheath and prepuce. It is 

 made of pure soft rubber, which is smooth, pliable, and re- 

 sistant to hot water, so that it may be repeatedly boiled for 

 purposes of sterilization 1 . 



1 Upon my request, the firm of Sharp & Smith, Chicago, have placed in 

 stock a catheter of the dimensions stated. It is of sufficient length that, 

 when the irrigator is suspended above the bull, it is abundantly long for in- 

 sertion into the sheath. 



