THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
point of the sheath is much swollen it is well to tap it in ia 
few places with a sharp penknife or lance to allow the watery 
fluid to escape. Feed plenty of soft food containing boiled 
flaxseed, and give gentle exercise every day. If the case has 
been allowed to remain till the cord becomes diseased up 
through the ring in the rim of the belly it becomes hopeless. 
13. Peritonitis Following Castration. 
This is inflammation of the lining of the scrotum and the 
lining of the abdominal or belly cavity. Peritonitis is more 
fully dealt with in Chapter IV. 
Causes. — This may be the result of exposure — standing 
in cold east winds, in cold rains or lying on the cold, damp 
ground — of the use of severe medicine in the clamps or of a 
bungling operation. The inflammation commences in the 
lining of the scrotum and extends upward through the ring 
in the rim of the belly and spreads over the serous membrane 
lining of the belly cavity. It usually makes its appearance 
the third or fourth day after the operation. 
Symptoms. — The appetite is gone and the appearance 
very dull. The colt appears to be cold. The cuts are swollen 
and a bloody watery fluid dribbles from them. As these 
symptoms become more intense there is indication of pain. 
He lies down frequently and brea,thes heavily as if the lungs 
were afifected. In warm weather there is inclination to sweat 
freely. The pulse is weak and fast, ranging from 60 to 70 
per minute. Should he have the use of his bowels the 
manure is covered with slime and the urine presents a 
reddish appearance. It is a very weakening disease and if 
not checked soon ends in death. 
Treatment. — For a yearling colt give the following: 
Laudanum ^ ounce, or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 
Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 
Raw Linseed Oil 1 pint. 
Mix thoroughly and give as a drench. If not relieved in 
three hours give : 
Laudanum Yz ounce, or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 
Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 
Mix in half pint of lukewarm water and give as a 
drench every three hours until better. Keep him warm by 
blanketing and apply a mustard plaster over the bowels until 
relieved. Poultice the cuts with a hot poultice of linseed 
