MANAGEMENT OF THE BROOD MARE 
67 
“When such injuries occur, there is observed an abnormal amount of 
straining immediately after copulation, with, perhaps, some discharge 
of blood from the vulva. Later, swelling of the vulva and a muco-purlent 
discharge may occur. 
“If the wound penetrates the peritoneal -cavity, septic peritonitis is 
highly probable, with early collapse and death. 
“Injuries to the mare from this cause should be obviated by means of 
a roll or padded surcingle encircling the body and passing just in front of 
the sheath in a manner to prevent the penis from entering the vagina 
to its full length, the pad or roll being adjusted in size according to the 
case. The diameter of the roll should always be ample, since little fear 
need be entertained that the prevention of the entrance of the entire 
length of the penis will unfavorably affect the results of copulation, as 
general observations show the contrary. In constructing this roll or 
pad an ordinary surcingle may be used and a tube made of sheeting 
or other sufficiently strong material and this, open at each end, slipped 
over the surcingle. Padding of cotton, oakum or other material is then 
to be inserted into the tubular covering until it is tightly filled so that 
it presents a diameter of 4 to 8 inches in that part of the surcingle to 
come in contact with the abdominal floor, after which the open ends of 
the tube are to be secured to the surcingle and closed by tying. When the 
stallion is ready for service, the surcingle is passed around his body just 
in front of the opening of the sheath and secured by buckling. In copu¬ 
lation, only that portion of the penis projecting beyond the roll can enter 
the vagina. 
“Lacerations of the vulvo-vaginal canal during copulation somewhat 
rarely occur because of pathologic changes due to prior diseases, especial¬ 
ly to adhesive inflammations leading to important stricture or occlusion. 
“Injuries to the bladder by the penis of the male have been recorded, 
though very rarely ... In the mare, this accident would seem quite 
as possible because of the very wide, valveless meatus, through which 
several fingers may be passed, but the penis of the stallion is much 
larger and the glands very broad.” Williams. 48 
