272 DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND SCROTUM 



cause. Orchitis may be a sequel to wound infection, to 

 distemper in the dog and cat, and the spread of infection 

 from adjacent organs and tissues. 



Symptoms.— The first symptoms noticed are those of 

 enlargement of one or both testes; pain on manipulation of 

 the organs; and a stiff, straddling gait. We should not mis- 

 take thickening of the scrotum, a common condition in old 

 dogs, for orchitis. If due to infection there will be more or 

 less elevation of temperature, and other symptoms of the 

 primary condition. The local temperature is also increased. 



Prognosis.— In orchitis from injuries, most cases terminate 

 favorably. In the infective form the gland may be destroyed, 

 or becomes chronic and the patient impotent. 



Treatment.— In the early stages cold packs should be 

 applied, as cold water or a small sack filled with cracked ice. 

 The ice or water pack can be held in place by a bandage 

 passed around the abdomen just anterior to the pelvis, and 

 fastened over the back and between the limbs. It should be 

 renewed after a few hours to keep up the refrigeration. After 

 the swelling and pain have subsided, the pack can be gradu- 

 ally discontinued. 



In subacute or chronic cases of orchitis, hot packs are 

 indicated, best in the form of hot water, applied in the same 

 manner as above. Massaging with a small amount of anti- 

 septic ointment is recommended, following the hot packs. 

 In the infective form hot packs should be used with hot 

 water to which has been added some antiseptic. Abscesses 

 must be opened and treated with antiseptics. Should they 

 involve the testicles it is best to remove them. (See Cas- 

 tration.) 



TUMORS OF THE SCROTUM AND TESTES. 



Several forms of tumors are found in these organs: 



(a) Fibromata.— In old dogs a marked thickening of the 



scrotum is common. It is due either to an eczema, or from 



the constant irritation from sitting on the testicles. The 



latter is characterized by absence of hair on the scrotum, the 



