aratively
insensible. The skin of the scrotum is tense, and it may be edematous
(pitting on pressure), as are the deeper envelopes and spermatic cord.
If liquid is present in the sac, the symptoms are masked somewhat. As it
increases it causes awkward, straddling, dragging movement of the hind
limbs, or lameness on the affected side. The spermatic cord often
increases at the same time with the testicle, and the inguinal ring
being thereby stretched and enlarged, a portion of intestine may escape
into the sac, complicating the disease with hernia.

The only rational and effective treatment is castration, and when the
disease is specific (glanders, tuberculosis), even this may not succeed.

HYDROCELE, OR DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM.

This may be merely an accompaniment of dropsy of the abdomen, the cavity
of which is continuous with that of the scrotum in horses. It may be the
result, however, of local disease in the testicle, spermatic cord, or
walls of the sac.

_Symptoms._--The symptoms are enlargement of the scrotum, and
fluctuation under the fingers, the testicle being recognized as floating
in water. By pressure the liquid is forced, in a slow stream and with a
perceptible thrill, into the abdomen. Sometimes the cord or the scrotum
is thickened and pits on pressure.

_Treatment_ may be the same as for ascites, yet when the effusion has
resulted from inflammation of the testicle or cord, astringent
applications (chalk and vinegar) may be applied to these. Then, if the
liquid is not reabsorbed under diuretics and tonics, it may be drawn off
through the nozzle of a hypodermic syringe which has been first passed
through carbolic acid. In geldings it is best to dissect out the sacs.

VARICOCELE.

This is an enlargement of the venous network of the spermatic cord, and
gives rise to general thickening of the cord from the testicle up to the
ring. The same astringent dressings may be tried as in hydrocele, and,
this failing, castration may be resorted to.

ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TESTICLES.

Sometimes one or both testicles are wanting; in most such cases,
however, they are merely partially developed, and retained in the
inguinal canal or abdomen (cryptorchid). In rare cases there may be a
third testicle, the animal becoming to this extent a double monster.
Teeth, hair, and other indications of a second fetus have likewise been
found in the testicle or scrotum.

DEGENERATION OF THE TESTICLES.

The testicles may be