PARAPHYMOSIS 83 



an extent as to grip and strangulate it (Plate XXXV). As a result the 

 swelling is much increased, and unless speedy relief is afforded acute 

 inflammation results. Then the part becomes much discoloured, at first 

 red and painful, changing later to a deep purple. At this time it is 

 tense and cold to the touch, and the morbid sensibility is considerably 

 diminished. In this condition there is danger of mortification unless the 

 strangulation is relieved and the circulation in the part restored. 



Great pain usually accompanies this more advanced condition, and 

 the horse is restless, wears a haggard countenance, rapidly loses flesh, and 

 may die of gangrene unless speedy relief is obtained. There is a chronic 

 paraphymosis due to paralysis, and not accompanied with the pain and 

 excessive enlargement above mentioned. 



Treatment. Where it is ascertained that debility is the chief factor, 

 attention to the general health will be most needful, tonics of the mineral 

 class being indicated. 



Efforts should be made to return the organ by gentle manipulation and 

 lubrication of the parts with warm olive oil or other simple emollient, 

 but before this is done the penis and its sheath should be thoroughly 

 washed with soap and water. Cold lotions are also recommended as 

 tending to rapid contraction of the erectile tissue. 



In acute cases, however, such simple palliative measures are not enough. 

 We may have to scarify the penis and envelop it in poultices. Where the 

 enlargement is considerable it must be suspended in order to relieve the 

 overstretched vessels and facilitate circulation. For this purpose a piece 

 of strong flannel connected at each corner by tapes will be required as 

 for Orchitis. 



If exercise can be given, without too much motion of the pendulous 

 and painful organ, it is desirable, as removing venous engorgement and 

 promoting absorption of the effused fluid. 



Morbid growths must be removed by operation, and in the event of 

 occlusion of the canal from the descent of calculi or presence of foreign 

 bodies, efforts must be made to dislodge or cut down upon them. Ampu- 

 tation in paralysis, and in cases of cancerous enlargement or warty growths 

 on the glans, is sometimes resorted to, and in the majority of instances 

 with success. 



(EDEMA OF THE SHEATH 



(Edema of the sheath is a form of local dropsy in which the tissues 

 of the part become soaked with fluid, and consequently swollen. The 

 fluid consists of the watery constituents of the blood which have escaped 

 from the blood-vessels as the result of weakness. 



