FOREIGN BODIES IN THE URETHRA. 



Apart from calculi, ma}' be found straws, glumes, chaff and 

 catheters and even stones and small bodies which must have been 

 introduced deliberately. An irritation corresponding to the offend- 

 ing mass and its seat, ensues, and must be treated by soothing 

 and anti-phlogistic measures while the offending body must be 

 found and completely extracted. 



STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA. 



This may be suspected when in spite of much straining the 

 urine is habitually passed in a very fine stream, which has be- 

 come finer and finer for a length of time, without complete arrest 

 as in calculus. The introduction of a catheter will confirm the 

 diagnosis and show the exact seat of the stricture. 



It is determined by irritation caused by calculus, urethritis, 

 ulcer, wounds, etc., which tend to the formation of a cicatrix en- 

 circling and narrowing the canal. One efficient cause is the in- 

 jection of strong astringent or slight caustic solutions in the early 

 stages of urethritis. 



Treatment is by dilation, by bougies pointed and gradually 

 thickening, or simply by an elastic staff which at first passes with 

 some force and is replaced by a larger one as the urethra stretches 

 under daily use. 



Catheterization. In connection with diseases of the bladder 

 and urethra the passing of the catheter is a most important opera- 

 tion which requires considerable skill on the part of the operator. 

 A short statement of the method to be adopted for each of the 

 domestic animals will therefore be in place. 



Catheterization in the male Soliped. The catheter, a hollow, 

 gum elastic tube, must be proportioned to the size of the animal, 

 but for the average adult horse about 3^ feet in length and Yi 

 inch in thickness. To give it the requisite solidity and resist- 

 ance it is usually furnished with a stilet of whalebone or cane. 



The operation is performed with the animal standing, in quiet 

 264 



