396 
PARALYSIS AND INJURIES OF THE PENIS. 
the greater number of cases progress favourably without very elaborate 
precautions. 
Prognosis depends on the nature of the disease. Paralysis of the 
penis or of the retractor penis are generally incurable. Only those 
forms occurring during severe infectious diseases disappear with the 
lapse of time. The longer, therefore, the condition has existed, the less 
the chance of recovery. Swelling of the prepuce is often very obstinate, 
and old standing cases are most difficult of treatment. Hard, firm 
swellings are less easy to get rid of than those which are soft and 
cedematous. 
Treatment. After thoroughly cleansing the glans and prepuce, the 
displaced hair must be withdrawn or cut off with scissors. A few drops 
of oil can then be placed on the glans and strangulated prepuce, the 
animal placed on its back, the prepuce grasped on each side with the 
forefinger and thumb, and attempts made to draw it over the glans. 
The attempt generally succeeds ; slight pressure with the finger on the 
glans is sometimes of assistance. Failing reposition in this way, the 
lower border of the prepuce may be laid open, when the penis will 
return of itself. Any subsequent inflammation is combated by bathing 
with solution of acetate of zinc, alum, &c.; this is, however, seldom 
necessary. 
Inflammation of the prepuce is to be treated as already described. 
Should the outer coats of the sheath be already contracted, they may be 
divided. Application of a suspensory bandage will assist absorption and 
removal of oedema, and is also useful in swelling of the prepuce. The 
bandage is formed of a triangular piece of linen similar to that used in 
dressing the wound after castration of cryptorchids. One angle lies on 
either side of the penis, and is continued by a broad strip of linen, which 
is passed over the animal’s back and tied in a knot. The angle of the 
bandage, directed backwards, is stitched to two pieces of linen, which are 
passed between the hind legs, brought upward and forward, and finally 
united with the transverse strips. 
It is advisable to place a pad of tow, jute, or wadding next the penis to 
prevent injuries. The pad must be renewed when soiled with urine, and 
the linen cleansed or replaced from time to time. The pad may be soaked 
in acetate of lead or alum solution, and occasionally moistened with the 
same fluids. 
In old painless swellings, especially swellings of the prepuce, massage 
is recommended. The swelling can be kneaded daily for five to ten 
minutes at a time ; but to avoid injury, the parts should previously be 
smeared with fat. Attempts can then he made to return the penis, 
and if it again piolapses it may be held in position by passing a couple 
of stitches through the sheath. 
