54 x\NliMAL CASTRATION 



allowing- the animal sufficient exercise to prevent too 

 early closure of drainage openings. 



Post-Operative Peritonitis. — This condition is a se- 

 quel of the generalization of local infection and is 

 iiiore likely to occur in depleted animals that have 

 been improperly castrated or in animals that have been 

 infected at the time of castration through the use of 

 septic instruments or careless manipulations. Like- 

 wise the transmission of streptococcic organisms and 

 their introduction while castrating, are very likelj' to 

 result in fatal peritonitis; however, peritonitis thus 

 developed is not always fatal. It is manifested by 

 symptoms of lethargy, inappetencc. stiffness, rise in 

 temperatuT'c of from two to five degrees above noi'- 

 mal, acceleration of the circulation and a tucked up 

 appearance at the Hank. The subjects arc not inclined 

 to move al)out much, but remain standing generally, 

 becoming restless in the later stages, and lying down, 

 rolling about and getting up again by turns. Locally 

 there is found issuing from the inguinal region, a sero- 

 sanious fluid, and animals exhibiting this affection 

 should be given prompt local treatment to establish 

 drainage. Laxatives, together with stimulants, should 

 be administered, and the appetite tempted with any 

 good, wholesome food. 



Scirrhus Cord. — This enlargement is developed by 

 infection involving the spermatic cord eithei' because 

 of its becoming impinged between the scrotal wound 

 margins and remaining thus exposed for a sufficient 

 length of time to allow contamination, or it may be 

 a sequel of scrotal aliseess. Tn some eases it is said 

 to be caust'<l by bolrymycotic invasion. The condition 

 is essenlially chronic and is characterized l)y an indu- 

 I'ated neci'otic enlai'gement of the spermatic cord in- 



