Inflammation of the glandular substance whose office it is to secrete semen.

The causes are usually to be found in external violence, inflicted at the time of "service" by kicks, blows, and misdirected efforts in leaping; excessive intercourse, and over-stimulation by artificial food and administration of drugs with a view to exciting the sexual instinct. The disease may involve only one, or both organs.

Symptoms

A painful swelling of the injured gland, enlargement of the scrotum, a tense glistening appearance of the skin, excessive tenderness to the touch, febrile disturbance resulting in loss of appetite, dulness and depression, straddling gait, pain in the region of the loins, and frequent raising of the hind-legs. In some cases abscesses form in the structure of the gland, and ultimately destroy it as a functionizing organ. There are others in which such great violence has been suffered that a portion of the investing membranes and of the common integument are destroyed and eventually slough away. The testicle in this case becomes exposed, in some instances necessitating removal.

Treatment

Treatment consists in adopting such antiphlogistic measures as will most rapidly ensure reduction of the inflammatory condition of the gland. Assuming that in the majority of animals high feeding has been the rule, it will be prudent to prepare for and administer a bold dose of aloes. The diseased testicle should be slung and the whole scrotum surrounded by a poultice (fig. 234). Some entire horses are not under sufficient control to enable the attendants to do this, but every effort should be made to carry it out. Antiseptic lotions, containing some cooling and sedative agents, may be syringed upon the parts in animals not otherwise approachable. Great relief will be afforded by the administration of warm sedative enemas three or four times a day, and by the application of warm cloths over the loins.

Fig. 234. - Orchitis - Testicle Suspended.

The food should be of a laxative nature, and may further be used as a vehicle for such febrifuges as nitrate or bicarbonate of potash or soda. In the milder cases brief and gentle exercise should be enjoined, and if the recumbent posture is unobtainable, owing to the pressure and consequent pain, the patient will derive some benefit from slings, which must be attached in such a manner as to ensure their not slipping backwards and coming in contact with the suffering members.