28 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



This is an inflammation of the scrotum and sheath from pressure 

 of the sling in which oxen rest when shod. General symptoms, 

 as fever, loss of rumination and appetite, occur. The animal stands 

 with legs wide apart and urine dribbling from the sheath, which 

 is tremendously swollen and may undergo gangrene and bleb forma- 

 tion. 



Treatment. — Prevention is secured by keeping the slings for- 

 ward of the sheath. A large wet compress of absorbent cotton 

 soaked in a saturated solution of boric acid and covered with rubber 

 cloth and held in place by harness over the patient's loins should be 

 used. Multiple incisions and evacuation of abscess' may be re- 

 quired, together with general surgical cleanliness. 



Bites (Snake). 



The treatment of snake bite consists in preventing absorption 

 of the poison and in (locally and generally) neutralizing and 

 destroying its toxic effects. To prevent absorption, a ligature should 

 immediately be put about a limb above the bite. The Bier treatment 

 may be employed for thirty-six hours, see p. 278. Instant free ex- 

 cision or actual cautery of the bitten area are also desirable. The 

 subcutaneous injection of chlorinated lime in solution in boiled 

 water, about the bite in several places, is effective in neutralizing 

 the snake poison. 15 grains may be dissolved in 2 ounces of water 

 and this amount may be safely used, even in medium sized dogs. 

 Potassium permanganate in the same strength is used in the same 

 way, but is less valuable. 



Internally the best remedy is Calmette's antivenomous serum, 

 obtained from immunized animals, and is effective against the bites 

 of all kinds of snakes and scorpions. It is injected deep in the 

 muscle and is sold in doses of 10 c. c, which is the human dose, but 

 can be used in veterinary medicine, somewhat in proportion to the 

 weight of the animal, although this amount will do no harm to small 

 patients. ' 



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