Inflammation of the Bladder 31 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER 



(Cystis) 



Inflamation of the bladder may be caused by drugs as turpentine, 

 Spanish fly or resins which interfere with the free passage of urine or 

 irritate. Stone calculi may cause inflamation of the bladder. The basis 

 of bladder inflamation is bacterial infection so it might be caused by 

 bacteria thrown off" from the diseased blood as in rheumatism, fevers, etc. 

 infection often develops when catheters (an instrument used to drain 

 water from the bladder) are used without previous boiling for 10 to 15 

 minutes. Inflammation may arise from any cause which will suppress the 

 urine, irritate or carry infection to the bladder. 



Colicky pains are present but the frequent and deficient amount of 

 urine passed distinguishes it from colic. The urine may contain blood, 

 pus, or fibrous tissue and often has an offensive and characteristic odor. 

 The exact character of the urine is best determined by catching a small 

 portion in a bucket and pouring in a tall, clean, clear bottle. By exert- 

 ing pressure on the bladder after introducing the oiled hand in the rec- 

 tum or vulva great tenderness of the bladder is evidenced. Sometimes 

 the bladder is filled and sometimes it is empty. 



TREATMENT 



When the bladder is full it must be emptied by the use of a previous- 

 ly boiled catheter remembering that sterile instruments are absolutely 

 necessary in working about the bladder. 



Until the inflamation is checked the bladder must be washed out two 

 times daily with 1 teaspoonful of boric acid dissolved in 1 quart of water. 

 This can be done by use of a long rubber catheter and inserting one end 

 in the bladder and holding the other end above the level of the bladder. 

 If stone calculi are present they are probably the source of the inflamma- 

 tion and should be removed. Give the horse milk as the chief diet. 

 Keep the bowels open with raw linseed oil. I/4 to I/2 gallon may be 

 given for each 1,000 pounds live weight. 



To keep the bowels open takes work off' of the kidneys. Grass 

 serves the same purpose if green. Do not apply blisters but use hot 

 cloths over the loins. If the case has a tendency to become chronic, 

 give daily 1 dram, (1 teaspoonful) of Nux Vomica and 1/4 dram (Yo 

 teaspoonful) of Buchu. 



