Diseases of the Seminal Vesicles 785 



for the present that the organism most commonly causing 

 abortion in mares is the commonest invader of the testes and 

 epididymes of staUions. The disease occurs most frequently 

 at the height of the breeding season, the virulence of the in- 

 fection already present being aroused by repeated coitus. 



The handling of orchitis is a discouraging task. The ani- 

 mal should be taken out of the stud immediately, sexual 

 excitement avoided as far as possible, the patient placed 

 upon scant, laxative diet, and as a rule given an abundance 

 of gentle exercise. If the inflammation is intense, its course 

 may be checked by purging promptly M^ith arecolin or eserin. 

 Benefit may be had from large doses of potassium iodide, 

 about one-half ounce per thousand pounds of body weight, 

 once or twice daily. In the first stages the continuous re- 

 frigeration of the glands by means of a spray of cold water 

 may be of value. When the infection is intense and has con- 

 tinued so long that recovery of reproductive functions is 

 impossible, castration should be performed promptly as the 

 best and safest method for controlling the disease. If ap- 

 parently but one testicle is involved, it should be removed 

 promptly as the best protective measure against the involve- 

 ment of the other gland. The removal of one gland does not 

 lower the fertility. 



When the animal has apparently recovered, a long sexual 

 rest should be given before returning him to stud service. 

 Then a test service should be made with a mare and the 

 semen examined for spermatozoa and bacteria. If sound in 

 both respects he may be permitted to resume stud service. 



3. Diseases of the Seminal Vesicles. 

 Semino- Vesiculitis 



Veterinary literature reveals no traces of any compre- 

 hensive study of the infections of the seminal vesicles of 

 stallions. The studies already made regarding the infections 

 of these organs in bulls indicate that generally the glands 

 about the pelvic urethra of the male are highly susceptible 

 to any infections which may invade seriously the genitalia 

 of the female, and that the probability of disease rests in a 



50 



