DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 209 
meal and bran, which starts a healthy discharge from the 
cuts. Warm the drinking water and feed soft food. Should 
weakness follow recovery from this disease give a wineglass- 
ful of whisky in a pint of oatmeal gruel three times a day 
for a few days until strength is regained. It must be remem- 
bered that in cases of this kind prompt action is necessary, as 
when this disease gains a firm foothold the result is liable to 
prove fatal. 
14. Lockjaw (Tetanus). 
This disease usually develops from the ninth to the 
twenty-first day after castration, and generally follows a case 
that is thought to be doing extra well. 
Causes. — The real cause is due to a microbe. It may 
follow any kind of operation, or even a very slight injury. 
Colts that are exposed to the cold, that have been allowed to 
walk or stand in a river for any length of time after being 
castrated, or allowed to run in a wet, marshy pasture, are in 
danger of being attacked by it. 
For treatment and further particulars of this disease, 
refer to ''Lockjaw or Tetanus," which is dealt with more fully 
in Chapter XVII. 
15. Blindness (Amaurosis). 
Blindness sometimes attacks a colt after castration, 
especially if he should bleed profusely at the time. For full 
particulars as to symptoms and treatment refer to Chapter 
XIV. 
16. Enlarged Scrotum, or Water Seeds. 
This is quite a common consequence of castration, more 
especially if the operation has been performed with the 
ecraseur. It may follow an operation performed with clamps. 
Many owners of castrated colts look upon it as being a case 
of rupture and veterinary surgeons sometimes make the same 
mistake. When properly understood it is easily cured. 
Cause.— One of the most prevalent causes is the healing 
of the openings in the scrotum by first intention not having 
the proper amount of separation to destroy the inside lining 
of the scrotum. Small glands are situated in this lining, the 
function of which is to secrete a fluid for the purpose of 
lubricating the inside of the scrotum and the testicles to 
prevent injury by friction when in the natural state. Should 
