PARALYSIS OF THE PENIS 85 



PARALYSIS OF THE PENIS 



Protrusion of the penis from the sheath, with loss of power to draw it 

 back again, sometimes arises from paralysis of the muscle by which it is 

 retracted. 



Inability to withdraw the organ into the prepuce not infrequently 

 results from a constriction of the inner folds of the sheath following upon 

 injury or disease, but cases have occurred in the experience of the writer 

 where no such condition existed to account for the morbid state, and he is 

 forced to the conclusion that paralysis of the part referred to was the 

 result of loss of nervous power. 



These cases are more especially found in stallions of the heavier breeds. 



As to the particular cause by which the mishap is brought about we 

 have no explanation to offer. It is not necessarily associated with paralysis 

 of the muscles of locomotion; the desire for service still remains, but a full 

 and competent erection cannot be effected. 



Such treatment as is usually resorted to, viz. : blisters to the spine, the 

 administration of the salts of iodine, strychnine and iron tonics, have not 

 been attended with benefit. 



Where the protrusion is considerable and unsightly, removal of the 

 organ by means of an operation is the only remedy. 



AMPUTATION OF THE PENIS 



This is not so difficult or so dangerous an operation as it might at first 

 appear. 



Various more or less complicated methods have been suggested, but 

 experience has taught us that the greatest success attends the more simple 

 forms of procedure. As the operation is a painful one it is desirable that 

 chloroform should be first administered. The organ and the sheath should 

 then be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and disinfected with 

 carbolic solution. A ligature of tape is now applied round the neck of the 

 penis immediately behind the glans, and another of strong cord higher up, 

 above the point of incision. The body of the organ may now be divided 

 either with a sharp knife or the e"craseur; if with the knife, the cut surface 

 should be cauterized with the hot iron, and the large vessels which run 

 along the upper border of the organ should be ligatured with strong silk. 



If the ecraseur is employed, cauterization will not necessarily be re- 

 quired. Should bleeding follow the operation cold water is to be applied 

 to the sheath and region of the groin and a cold wet cloth to the loins. 



