DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 101 



Under proper treatment improvement might possibly result, the symp- 

 toms gradually growing less severe, the strength returning, the urine 

 becoming clearer and retained a longer period. Relapses will however 

 more than likely be experienced, the mucous membrane of the bladder 

 ulcerating, disease of the kidneys ensue and death follow. 



Treatment. — As in all other morbid conditions the cause should first 

 be removed if possible. Paralysis calls for especial treatment elsewhere 

 advised. If calculi or other incurable conditions exist, the treatment 

 should be directed to the palliation of symptoms. 



Pain is to be overcome by the same means as recommended in acute 

 cystitis. The diet should be largely milk and lime water, equal parts; the 

 latter deserves especial mention as a curative agent. 



The preparations of iron advised by some authors, evidently under the 

 impression they act as astringents on the mucous membrane of the blad- 

 der, arc not indicated for that purpose in chronic cystitis, for they are not 

 absorbed as astringents, neither do they come in contact with the interior 

 of the bladder. 



One of the most active agents to be depended upon is tannin, which is 

 thrown off by the kidneys and reaches the bladder. Itmay at first be given 

 in two grain doses and gradually increased to five grains three times daily. 



"When the strength fails and a tonic is indicated, two grains of quinine 

 or some form of cinchona three times a day, is advised for the peculiar 

 and beneficial influence on the mucous membrane of the kidney and 

 bladder. If milk seems insufficient to sustain the animal a more nourish- 

 ing diet may be allowed, but it must be unstimulating. 



Cystic Calculi. 



Stone in the bladder, cystic calculus, is occasionally met with in dogs, 

 more common in advanced age. 



Symptom s. —Irritability of the bladder, with frequent efforts to void 

 the urine. Considerable pain exists and occasionally blood is passed ; the 

 external urinary organs arc at times slightly inflamed. The symptoms 

 may be present for a long time, not sufficiently evident to clearly indicate 

 the exact cause which induces them. After a time a severe attack of pain 

 comes on, the urine is retained or passes only in drops; a diagnosis then 

 made suggests treatment, the result of which may relieve the animal 

 somewhat, but only for a time and death finally conquers. 



Treatment. —The symptoms must indicate the line of treatment to be 

 followed. A cure is out of the question. 



