DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
207 
fluid to drip out. This helps to relieve the swelling. After 
a good bathing and the swelling is reduced, put salty butter 
on the finger and open the cuts well. This allows any 
discharge that is formed above to run out. After the bathing 
and the opening of the cuts, apply a poultice of hot linseed 
and bran ; hold this poultice to the cuts by means of strings 
over the back. It is not necessary to tap the sheath and open 
the cut every time the swelling is dressed — once a day is all 
that is necessary. Bathe and apply hot poultices three or 
four times a day to allay the inflammation, and if there is 
poison in the cut, the poultice and hot water will draw it out. 
Feed on soft food and give gentle exercise, which also has a 
tendency to take down the swelling. As soon as the colt 
begins to eat, and there is a good healthy white discharge 
from the cuts, the danger may be considered over. 
12. Scirrhus Cord. 
This is a growth on the end of the cord. 
Causes. — It may be caused by pulling the cord down 
when removing the clamp. The colt may pull the cord down 
by biting at himself to relieve the itching. If allowed to 
remain in this position the cut heals around it, leaving the 
end exposed to the air. Exposure causes irritation and in 
time it becomes diseased and a growth forms on the end. 
Treatment. — This is easily -checked if taken in time. 
Soften the cut by bathing in warm water. Smear the fingers 
with butter and break the cord loose from the skin. Force it 
back into the bag and the danger of further difficulty is past. 
Should it be neglected and get very large, an operation is 
necessary. After casting and tieing securely, break the cord 
from the skin, using the finger and thumb smeared with 
butter. Should it be impossible to entirely free the cord with 
the hand, use a sharp knife. When the cord is entirely 
loosened attach a clamp, in the usual manner, in such a 
position that the diseased portions may be cut away. In two 
or three days remove the clamp as in ordinary cases of 
castration. The diseased portions may be cut away with the 
ecraseur, and in the majority of cases this instrument works 
to better satisfaction. 
Should there be much swelling follow this operation here 
outlined, bathe with lukewarm water three or four times a 
day, and after each bathing apply the white lotion. If the 
