SECTION XII 



r 



DISEASES OF THE TESTICLES AND 

 SCROTUM 



Orchitis 



Inflammation of the testicles, except from trauma, 

 is exceptional in the dog. It is usually caused by 

 kicks, blows, or from crushing, though it sometimes 

 occurs during the course of distemper and other 

 contagious diseases. 



Symptoms. — The affected testicle is swollen, hot, 

 and painful on manipulation, the scrotum appear- 

 ing smooth, tense, and glistening. There is generally 

 considerable constitutional disturbances, indicated 

 by a rise of temperature, anorexia, and a quick, full 

 pulse. The patient shows a disinclination to move 

 about much, and when forced to do so walks with 

 a straddling movement of the hind legs. 



Treatment. — A brisk purge should be given, fol- 

 lowed up by such febrifuges and sedatives as symp- 

 toms indicate. Hot fomentation must be applied 

 to the scrotum or, if preferred, antiphlogistin may 

 be applied in a thick layer as hot as the patient can 

 bear it, and covered with absorbent cotton. In 

 either case the testicles must be supported by a 

 l^roperly applied suspensory until pain and swelling 

 have subsided. Inunctions, after fomentation, of 

 hot camphorated oil are particularly beneficial and 

 are preferable to belladonna ointment in being non- 

 toxic. 



Abscess of the Testicle 



Abscesses sometimes affect the testicles or scro- 

 tum. This constitutes essentially a suppurative 



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