I44 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



Such general causes as either insufficient or over feeding, or lack 

 of exercise, or overwork may account for the condition. Any de- 

 pressing disease may induce loss of sexual desire. In the male, ex- 

 cessive copulation at an early age may result in loss of sexual vigor. 

 Stallions sometimes display a repugnance for multipara and show 

 a corresponding preference for virgin mares and for those of cer- 

 tain colors, i. e., psychical impotence. 



2. Organic Impotence. — Malformations, growths, and di- 

 sease of the male and female genital organs may render copulation 

 physically impossible. Paralytic impotence may result from disease 

 of the brain and cord and is exhibited in the male by loss of erection 

 and atrophy of the testes. 



3. Irritable Impotence. — This is due to over-excitability 

 of the prostatic urethra and reflex centres, with premature ejacu- 

 lation in the male. Generally results from masturbation or excessive 

 copulation. 



The treatment of loss of sexual desire consists in adjusting 

 the diet and exercise to fit the case, and in avoiding causes, as 

 early and excessive copulation, which favor impotence. General 

 disease must be cared for, and tonics, as iron and arsenic, given in 

 anemia and debility. Genito-urinary irritants are sometimes used to 

 stimulate sexual desire — in females about the time of heat — as can- 

 tharides, savin, ginger, pepper, etc. Cantharides and strychnine 

 and phosphorus are the most effective remedies. The tincture of 

 cantharides and fluidextract of nux vomica (each 3ii) may be com- 

 bined to advantage and given well diluted twice daily. Surgery 

 may remedy some of the causes of organic impotence, but the 

 paralytic form is usually incurable. The irritable variety is treated 

 in human medicine by cold sounds and local applications to the 

 prostatic urethra. The prevention of masturbation and too fre- 

 quent copulation, with attention to general hygiene, are effective in 

 veterinary practice. (See Sterility, p. 234.) 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



