In this condition the penis becomes enclosed within the sheath, and incapable of being protruded. In new-born colts it is not due to any disease or contraction of the sheath, or enlargement of the penis, but to the folding back of the organ itself. Here interruption to the discharge of urine results in overdistention of the bladder, when the young creature is prompted to posture for urination in the manner adopted by adults, but, being unable to obtain relief, the attendant's notice is attracted to the difficulty under which the colt is labouring.

Phymosis in the adult horse or gelding arises from other causes, among which may be named: external injuries such as occur from the kicks of other animals, blows in jumping timber, or travelling through brush and scrub, accidental or surgical wounds, as a secquel to castration, the existence of an abscess, of warts, tumours of various kinds, or swelling of the penis itself from venereal and other diseases.

From the time of castration the penis of the gelding makes but little growth, and it has been observed that it actually wastes if the operation is performed while adolescent. In the emasculated animal protrusion of the penis is neither so frequent nor complete as in the stallion, and, as a result, the sebaceous secretion, which in the entire horse affords a suitable lubricant to the organ, becomes thick and unhealthy in character, and accumulates in hard, black, irregular masses. It, moreover, mechanically irritates the sheath and parts enclosed in it, thus preventing its withdrawal, and causing at the same time interference with the discharge of urine.

Geldings, more particularly those of the heavy draught breeds, when well fed and insufficiently exercised, are predisposed to swelling of the sheath, which in many instances is excited by the accumulation of the secretion above alluded to within the folds of the integument. Horses at grass are sometimes stung by insects upon which they have lain, and the resulting tumefaction of the sheath interferes with or altogether precludes the extrusion of the penis.

Symptoms

Swelling of the parts is invariably such as to attract early attention. The other symptoms will depend upon the cause out of which the disease arises. In some cases, where the enlargement is gradually progressive, there is but little pain, but in cases of sudden occurrence, with rapid swelling, there may be sudden uneasiness shown by frequent attempts to stale, great heat, tenderness of the parts, looking back at the flanks, and a frequent shifting of the hind limbs.

Treatment

In the case of the new-born foal no other assistance is required than that of bringing the organ into line. It is best accomplished by introducing an oiled finger into the sheath; and to facilitate the future outward passage of the penis, some vaseline or other suitable unguent should be smeared over it.

It has been shown that the causes are various. The treatment will also vary. Inflammatory action and consequent swelling will best be combated with fomentations, anodyne ointments, and perhaps an aperient or diuretic. Warts and other excrescences may require to be removed and the oedematous sheath scarified (see Operations). In some of the latter cases a course of tonic medicine is advisable. Stings should be removed, if discoverable, and an alkaline lotion applied at the point of their introduction. In the great majority of cases the remedy will be found in a careful cleansing of the interior of the sheath.

In large animals it is a work of some magnitude, owing to the extent and capacity of the sheath and the great accumulation possible within it. The most effectual manner of performing this disagreeable operation is to first introduce a quantity of vaseline, and allow an hour or so for it to become incorporated with the offensive secretion to be removed. Next introduce the hand and bring away, in small quantities, all that can be obtained, wash out with warm water in which some soap-powder has been dissolved, dry with a cloth, and finally inunct with pure lard. Nor should the operator's attention be confined to the inside of the sheath. Many simple cases are much relieved by outward application and such means as will cause the tense skin to stretch and the congested vessels beneath to resume again their normal functions.