Page 913 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 913
temperature. Treatment includes antibiotics and opening the area up to re-establish drainage.
A second operation to remove the diseased tissue may be necessary. A chronically infected
VetBooks.ir stump is known as a scirrhous cord. Despite healing of the scrotal wound, granulation tissue
and small abscesses develop on the stump of the spermatic cord. Discharging sinuses may
develop and a hard swelling may be palpated through the skin (Figure 19.3). This can occur
months or even years after the castration.
Figure 19.3 A discharging sinus from a scirrhous cord
Treatment involves surgical excision of the infected tissue under general anaesthetic and
a course of antibiotics.
HYDROCELE
An accumulation of fluid may form in the scrotum months or years after castration. The
swelling can make the horse appear as though it is still entire (not castrated). The cyst is
painless and treatment is not essential. It can be surgically removed under general anaesthetic
but is usually left alone.
PERITONITIS
