This condition is the opposite of that described above, and consists in the horse's inability to withdraw the extended penis within the sheath.

The causes are excessive debility, from poverty, old age, or illness, which occasion effusion into and swelling of the glans penis. Chronic enlargement or morbid growths either upon or within the organ itself or the sheath, the descent of calculi into the urethral canal, paralysis of the penis, injuries, and inflammation resulting from the sexual relation are also causes of this form of the disease.

The Symptoms

The Symptoms are unmistakable, the penis protrudes from its sheath and is much enlarged, the envelopes of the organ are sometimes swollen to such an extent as to grip and strangulate it (Plate XXXV). As a result the swelling is much increased, and unless speedy relief is afforded acute inflammation results. Then the part becomes much discoloured, at first red and painful, changing later to a deep purple. At this time it is tense and cold to the touch, and the morbid sensibility is considerably diminished. In this condition there is danger of mortification unless the strangulation is relieved and the circulation in the part restored.

Maladie du Coit.

Paraphymosis.

PLATE XXXV. DISEASES OF THE MALE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION

Great pain usually accompanies this more advanced condition, and the horse is restless, wears a haggard countenance, rapidly loses flesh, and may die of gangrene unless speedy relief is obtained. There is a chronic paraphymosis due to paralysis, and not accompanied with the pain and excessive enlargement above mentioned.

Treatment

Where it is ascertained that debility is the chief factor, attention to the general health will be most needful, tonics of the mineral class being indicated.

Efforts should be made to return the organ by gentle manipulation and lubrication of the parts with warm olive oil or other simple emollient, but before this is done the penis and its sheath should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Cold lotions are also recommended as tending to rapid contraction of the erectile tissue.

In acute cases, however, such simple palliative measures are not enough. We may have to scarify the penis and envelop it in poultices. Where the enlargement is considerable it must be suspended in order to relieve the overstretched vessels and facilitate circulation. For this purpose a piece of strong flannel connected at each corner by tapes will be required as for Orchitis.

If exercise can be given, without too much motion of the pendulous and painful organ, it is desirable, as removing venous engorgement and promoting absorption of the effused fluid.

Morbid growths must be removed by operation, and in the event of occlusion of the canal from the descent of calculi or presence of foreign bodies, efforts must be made to dislodge or cut down upon them. Amputation in paralysis, and in cases of cancerous enlargement or warty growths on the glans, is sometimes resorted to, and in the majority of instances with success.