INFLAMMATION OF THE SPERMATIC CORD. 
421 
diseased processes into the abdominal cavity renders the condition 
incurable. Examination from without and from the rectum will 
determine the dimensions of the growth; of 100 cases submitted to 
Holler, all proved amenable to treatment. 
When disease is less extensive, the swelling being small and confined 
to the lower sections of the cord, the new growth can be destroyed by 
caustics, but where inflammation and new tissue formation have attacked 
the outer surface of the processus vaginalis, greater difficulty is encoun¬ 
tered. Such changes are indicated by extensive adhesions between the 
skin and new growth, and extension of the growth towards the inguinal 
region. 
Treatment. Preventive measures are of great importance; the 
clams should be properly shaped, and, in applying them, the posterior 
part of the cord should not be cut through ; ligatures are better avoided ; 
if used they should be sterilised. After removing the clams, the sper¬ 
matic cord should be completely returned to the tunica vaginalis, and 
exit of discharges favoured by moving the animal. 
When inflammation has become chronic, neither potassium iodide 
internally, iodine injections, setons dressed with sublimate, nor the 
use of the actual cautery, commonly succeed, though where operation 
is impossible they may be tried. Sublimate setons and the cautery are 
perhaps more efficient than injections; but when the spermatic cord is 
extensively diseased, removal of the diseased part is alone useful. 
Though the period of acute cellulitis must be avoided, there should be 
no hesitation in performing the operation, which is simple, and, if 
precautions against bleeding are taken, not dangerous. 
The horse is cast, the feet of the affected side fastened together, 
and the animal placed on its back. The operator then kneels behind it. 
The seat of operation is cleansed, and an elliptical piece of skin, suffi¬ 
ciently large to allow of the growth passing easily through it, removed 
with the knife. Any skin adherent to the growth must also be taken 
away, and care taken to provide for drainage. 
A tape, passed through the subcutis of the isolated piece of skin and 
through the growth, is handed to an assistant, who pulls gently on the 
spermatic cord. The operator now breaks down the tissues surrounding 
the diseased cord, which is covered by the processus vaginalis. Any 
bleeding vessels are at once ligatured. The tunica vaginalis, recognised 
by its bluish colour and smooth surface, soon comes in view, and is 
divided from the connective tissue surrounding it by thrusting away the 
latter with the fingers, assisted by the knife and scissors. The pro¬ 
cessus vaginalis must be exposed at least as far as it is adherent to the 
spermatic cord, and, if a pair of clams are to be applied over it, up to 
the highest point the disease has attained. This method is preferable, 
