Orchitis and Epididymitis 133 



tion of the testicles as a result of the presence of nematode 

 parasites. 



The anatomy of the testicle is of such a character as to render 

 acute inflammation verj' serious for its functional life. The 

 tunica albuginea constitutes the most den.se and inextensible 

 capsule possessed by any gland in the body. When the volume 

 of the contents of the capsule is augmented by engorgement or 

 inflammation, the pressure exerted upon the encapsulated gland 

 tissue is very great and at once threatens its functional activity 

 or life. It is, consequently, very common for orchitis to per- 

 manently destroy the integrity of the gland. Sometimes, the 

 inflammation ends in a total necrosis of the organ. 



From whatever cause orchitis may arise, it should always be 

 treated as a very serious disease, in so far as the reproductive 

 powers of the animal are concerned, and should be handled with 

 the grea,test possible promptness and care. As with all diseases of 

 the sexual organs, it is especially true of those of the testicles 

 that the fundamental principle in their handling should be the 

 removal, as far as possible, of all sexual excitement. The animal 

 maybe exercised ai.d, po.ssibly, benefited thereby, but it should 

 be done in a manner to avoid any sexual stimulation. In most 

 stallions the application of the stud bridle is in itself a sexual 

 suggestion because the animal constantly associates it with 

 service. 



So far as possible, a breeding male affected with disease of the 

 genital organs should be removed from sight or sound of any 

 female of his kind, especially from those which are in estrum 

 Every arousal of sexual appetite intensifies any exi.sting irrita- 

 tion or disease in the sexual organs and successful handling of 

 these accidents and diseases demands, first of all, sexual quietude. 



Wounds to the scrotum of male breeding animals should have 

 very careful surgical attention. Strict antiseptic precautions 

 should be taken from the very outset and continued until all 

 danger to the glands has been safely passed. If the wound is 

 penetrant, infection of the peritoneal sac is to be very carefully 

 avoided by thorough disinfection and closing of the wound. If 

 there is a want of good drainage, this should be freely provided 

 and no accumulation of wound discharges be permitted. The 

 food should be of a light, laxative character. 



