422 
INFLAMMATION OF THE SPERMATIC CORD. 
and as soon as the upper end of the swelling is exposed, a strong pair of 
clams is applied over the spermatic cord and tunica vaginalis. One 
then proceeds as in castration, by the covered method. In dealing with 
extensive swellings, a short pair of clams, which can be introduced into 
the operative wound, should be applied to the cord, so that, after removal 
of the degenerated part, they may remain, just as in the operation for 
inguinal hernia (which see). 
Where the disease extends so far upwards as to prove beyond easy 
reach, the tunica vaginalis is divided where it seems movable over the 
swelling; the spermatic cord can then be drawn down, and the clams 
applied above the diseased portion. In other cases the ligature or 
ecraseur must be used. It is best to apply a stout ligature, tying it as 
tightly as possible, and allowing the ends to hang below the skin wound, 
so that it may be removed if it does not fall away of itself. The elastic 
ligatuie is also valuable. Carefully used, the ecraseur and the torsion 
method also prevent bleeding. Degive combines the two (“torsion- 
bornee which see). To prevent bleeding, the wound, when cleansed, 
is powdered with iodoform tannin and stuffed with carbolised jute, a few 
sutures being inserted to retain the tampons in position. The same 
means will control after-bleeding caused by the altered position of the 
blood-vessels when the horse rises. 
Diessing and clams remain in position for forty-eight hours ; after 
removing them, the paits are washed out with sublimate or carbolic 
solution, again powdered with iodoform tannin, and treated as an open 
wound. After about eight days the ligature may be removed, if it has 
not previously come away. Daily exercise favours drainage. Recovery 
generally occurs in fourteen days to a month, without complications. 
Moller operated in the manner described on 100 horses, and always had 
good results. 
If the new growth has spread outwards beyond the processus vaginalis, 
the subcutaneous connective tissue, which is infiltrated with small 
abscesses, must, as far as possible, be removed. Any remaining abscesses 
or sinuses should be scraped out with the curette, or dressed with con¬ 
centrated solution of chloride of zinc. 
Mai km us has recently proposed a modification of this procedure. 
Starting from a spot, if possible behind the growth, he breaks through 
the tissues in the direction of the inguinal canal with the fingers, in 
01 dei, fiom that point, to destroy the adhesions of the growth to sur- 
lounding parts. I he most resistant portions of connective tissue are 
divided by the knife, scissors or ecraseur, blood-vessels being, if necessary, 
ligatured beforehand. For dividing the spermatic cord he uses a special 
ecraseur with a very strong chain. 
New growths of the spermatic cord outside the processus vaginalis, 
