Changes

=Infection=

=Infection=

Infection can be '''superficial''' and easily dealt with, or '''deeper''', leading to involvement of the '''vaginal tunic''' and '''scirrhous cord'''. Any suspicion of infection should be promptly investigated under sedation using a gloved hand. Clinical signs include an '''increase heart rate''', '''respiratory rate''' and '''temperature'''. There may also be a '''reduction in appetite''' and the horse have a '''stiff gait'''.  

Infection can be '''superficial''' and easily dealt with, or '''deeper''', leading to involvement of the '''vaginal tunic''' and '''scirrhous cord'''. Any suspicion of infection should be promptly investigated under sedation using a gloved hand. The owners may report a '''reduction in appetite''' and the horse have a '''stiff gait'''. The wound itself may be swollen and discharge may be present. Clinical signs include an '''increase heart rate''', '''respiratory rate''' and '''temperature''' if the infection is severe.

 

'''Champignon''' is a specific infection that is normally caused by ''Strep zooepidemicus''. It produces mushroom-like growths of granulation tissue from the wound. It is associated with the use of ligatures. Drainage and surgical removal of diseased tissue is necessary to treat this condition.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Local superficial infection is best dealt with by '''enlarging the incision''' sites to '''improve drainage''', '''cold hosing''' and '''walking''' as for oedema and a course of '''antibiotic''' treatment. If infection is within the vaginal tunic, '''repeat surgery''' is required to '''resect all affected tissue''' and this may need to be combined with '''scrotal ablation''' if the scrotal tissue is also oedematous and infected.

Local superficial infection is best dealt with by '''enlarging the incision''' sites to '''improve drainage''', '''cold hosing''' and '''walking''' as for oedema and a course of '''antibiotic''' treatment. If infection is within the vaginal tunic or spermatic cord ('''scirrhous cord'''), '''repeat surgery''' is required to '''resect all affected tissue''' and this may need to be combined with '''scrotal ablation''' if the scrotal tissue is also oedematous and infected.

=Hydrocoele=

=Hydrocoele=

This presents as a '''circumscribed''',''' painless swelling''' which is filled with a '''sterile''', '''clear''', '''straw-coloured fluid'''. It is more common with open castration.  

This presents as a '''circumscribed''',''' painless swelling''' which is filled with a '''sterile''', '''clear''', '''straw-coloured fluid'''. Fluid gradually builds up slowly, so may not be noticed until several weeks or months after castration. It is more common with open castration.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''Removal''' of the vaginal tunic

'''Removal''' of the vaginal tunic under general anaesthesia

=Persistent Stallion-like Behavior=

=Persistent Stallion-like Behavior=

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]