CASTRATION OF THE HORSE 53 



the marginal wounds of the scrotum takes place and 

 the retained coagulated blood subsequently becomes 

 infected and is naturally followed by considerable 

 swelling. Exercise tends in all cases to minimize post- 

 operative swelling. In the case of the enfeebled ani- 

 mal manifesting much swelling, it is advisable to ad- 

 minister stimulants and scarifieation of the pendent 

 edematous swollen parts should be done, and where 

 the swelling involves the scrotum proper, the wounds 

 should be reopened, this being readily done with the 

 thumb and index finger. A layman may be instructed 

 to do this with safety, if he is cautioned to introduce 

 the previously cleansed fingers into the wounds, and 

 by means of a bold thrust tear asunder the newly 

 formed adhesions, thus permitting the escape of the 

 pent-up secretions and coagulated blood. Following 

 such manipulation, the subject should be exercised in 

 moderation even though force must be used to make 

 it do so. Nutritive and laxative diet and good hy- 

 gienic care are necessary. Subjects so affected are 

 best kept at pasture and away from lots and stables. 

 Scrotal Fistula. — "Where the draining of a scrotal 

 abscess is neglected, the condition results in invasion 

 of the tissue juxtaposed. Fistulous tracts are usually 

 found coursing along the sides of the sheath parallel 

 with the median raphe. Where tluse conditions are 

 neglected, chronic inflammation results with hypertro- 

 phy and the formation of considerable cicatricial tis- 

 sue and permanent enlargement of the sheath/ Such 

 cases should be treated surgically by making suitable 

 drainages and remo\'ing with the curette or other 

 appropriate instrument, all detritus, and injecting the 

 parts with tincture of iodin. After-care consists in 



