TUMOURS OF THE TESTICLE AND EPIDIDYMIS 
415 
testicle, recovery follows castration, which, so long as it stills appears 
practicable, should not be delayed if the swelling rapidly increases, or 
takes on a malignant character, even if the spermatic cord is already 
affected. 
Treatment. In such cases castration is the only resort, and even 
where the growths are of a benignant character it is to be recommended 
if they have attained a large size. As the spermatic vessels are often 
abnormally dilated, clams should be used, as they most surely prevent 
bleeding. If, however, the upper part of the spermatic cord be much 
Fig. 174.—Carcinoma of tlie testicle in a horse. (After photograph.) 
diseased, the application of clams is sometimes impossible, and it is 
better to ligature the cord with catgut, and allow the ligatures to hang 
from the wound, removing them after five or six days. Should the new 
growth have already reached the abdominal cavity, the animal must be 
prepared for slaughter, or worked until advancing disease renders it 
useless. 
VII.—HYDROCELE, HEMATOCELE, AND VARICOCELE. 
On account of its physical appearances, dropsy of the processus vaginalis 
has, since olden times, been described as hydrocele, i.e., a watery swell¬ 
ing. Instead of the few drops of fluid usually present, one finds large 
quantities of serum between the parietal and visceral coats of the tunica 
