890 
INFLAMMATION OF THE PREPUCE IN THE HORSE. 
the sheath had become so enormously enlarged that it hung down as 
low as the hocks ; the condition had been brought about by a wound of 
the prepuce, which was followed by adhesion between it and the penis; 
urine was then passed into the sheath. Partial removal of the sheath 
was followed by recovery. 
The condition may be cured by early treatment, but if delayed the 
animals either die from rupture of the bladder consequent on inability 
to pass urine or from exhaustion. 
In many districts horses suffering from colic or difficulty in urination 
are treated by rubbing the penis and sheath with irritant substances 
like pepper, which afterwards produce extensive painful swelling of the 
penis and sheath, exudation from the surface, and finally ulceration. 
If applied freely and energetically they may even cause necrosis of the 
skin; the penis then protrudes from the sheath in a more or less swollen 
condition, while the preputial fold may be as large as a goose’s egg. The 
inflamed parts are doughy, painful, of increased temperature ; and if the 
penis itself, or the prepuce covering it, is greatly swollen, the pressure on 
the urethra may interfere with urination. Inquiry generally reveals the 
nature of the substance employed. 
The inflammatory symptoms generally disappear without having 
caused permanent damage, though the sequel depends largely on their 
degree and extent. Provided urination is unimpeded, no very bad results 
need be apprehended, but when paraphimosis sets in, as is sometimes 
the case, treatment becomes difficult. 
Treatment consists in cleansing the prepuce, particularly the corona 
glandis, so as to allow free exit for urine. Injections of lukewarm soap 
and water assist the removal of smegma. As a rule, this causes 
temporary improvement, and if the sheath be regularly cleansed the 
case usually does well. When symptoms of violent inflammation are 
alieady present, the injections should consist of mucilaginous materials, 
oil, or astringents like alum ; while to combat excessive swelling of the 
sheath a suspensory bandage may become necessary (see “Paralysis 
of the Penis” hereafter). 
Inflammation of the prepuce and penis produced by irritants like 
peppei calls foi caieful cleansing of the parts and bathing with 
astringents such as the above-mentioned alum lotion. Excoriated 
parts may be covered with a non-irritant fat, with zinc or lead ointment, 
or powdered with iodoform, tannin, lycopodium, or similar materials. 
To assist resorption and removal of swelling, a suspensory bandage may 
be applied, and the animal placed in a clean dry stall. 
Where the opening in the sheath is much diminished in calibre, it 
may require to be laid open, which in quiet animals can be done 
standing. To prevent the edges of the wound reuniting, they can be 
