UNTOWARD SEQUELAE. 43 



in these cases is to keep the wounds well opened and as clean 

 as possible. 



If an abscess forms it should be lanced and thoroughly 

 drained, the interior being irrigated with antiseptics. 



In connection with this sequel, as also with those of peritonitis 

 and septicemia, it is worth while ±0 recollect that, after a 

 retained testicle operation it is by no means uncommon when 

 the colt rises to hear air rush into the wound. If the operating 

 bed is made of some dusty material, or the air is otherwise 

 contaminated, this may prove a source of infection. Personally 

 I prefer a grass field to operate in when it is at hand, or, failing 

 that, a clean wheat straw bed. 



Paraphimosis, a condition in which the penis becomes pro- 

 truded and the horse cannot withdraw it into the prepuce is 

 sometimes caused by excessive swelling of the tissues sur- 

 rounding the wounds. It is more likely to occur after a pro- 

 longed operation upon both sides of the scrotum than when 

 only one side has been opened. It may become very trouble- 

 some to treat, and convalescence may be prolonged. It may 

 even terminate in paralysis of the organ. 



Treatment consists in careful scarification of the protruding 

 part, to which either hot or cold water (depending upon 

 circumstances) is afterwards applied, and the use of some 

 astringent lotion, such as a mixture of lead acetate and zinc 

 sulphate (3ii-3vi of each to a pint of water), or lead and alum, 

 etc. The penis should be supported by a sling, which can be 

 improvised from two or three stable bandages or a piece of 

 netting and two bandages, the ends being tied over the patient's 

 loins. The horse should be put under the best possible hygienic 

 conditions, fed well and exercised regularly, and, internally, 

 should be given some nerve tonic, such as arsenic, strychnine 

 or nux vomica. 



Prognosis of this condition should be guarded, especially if 

 the organ has been protruding for some days before the practi- 

 tioner's attention has been drawn to it, as occasionally one 

 meets with a case in which permanent paralysis ensues. An 



