PASSAGE OF THE CATHETER AND URETHROTOMY IN THE RAM. 749 



First case. Where the calculus is in the anterior, extra-prepubic 

 portion, it is removed through an incision made directly over it. 

 After extraction and disinfection, one or two sutures are inserted. 



Second case. Should the calculus be situated in that portion of 

 the penis which remains within the sheath after the fullest with- 

 drawal of the organ, it is necessary to proceed as follows : — 



(1.) The skin covering the sheath, the subcutaneous tissue, and 

 the mucous membrane are first incised for a length of from IJ to 

 If inches. 



(2.) The penis is drawn through this opening; an incision is made 

 directly over the calculus, dividing the fibrous layer, erectile tissue 

 and mucous membrane of the urethra ; the parts are disinfected and 

 the wounds closed with sutures. 



With ordinary antiseptic precautions little danger is to be feared. 



Even should infiltration of urine occur, the operator need not be 

 unduly anxious, for, provided the parts are punctured or scarified 

 early, recovery usually follows. 



PASSAGE OF THE CATHETER AND URETHROTOMY IN 

 THE RAM. 



Obstruction of the urethra in rams is more commonly caused by 

 deposits of gravel than by single large calculi. It is generally found 

 in highly-fed animals, in which gravel accumulates and becomes 

 massed together at some point in the canal, often near the free 

 extremity, where it forms a plug, causing complete retention of urine. 

 In other cases this retention is due to a mass of sediment formed 

 by vesical mucus and fine gravel which collects about the neck of 

 the bladder. 



Three operations have been advised for the removal of this con- 

 dition : — 



(1.) Section of the Appendix of the Penis. — When the disease is 

 just appearing the sedimentary material may be collected at the 

 anterior extremity of the penis behind the appendix. The shepherds 

 in such cases remove the extremity of the penis. The resistance 

 disappears, the plug formed of gravel yields to the pressure of urine, 

 and micturition occurs as usual. Excision of the appendix, however, 

 incapacitates the ram for service. 



(2.) Passage of the Catheter. — Passage of the catheter has been 

 recommended for the removal of deposits of gravel in the urethra, 

 but it seems a very questionable method. 



Should it be determined on, the animal must be placed on its 

 back. The penis is then withdrawn and the double S-shaped curve' 

 is obliterated. An incision is made over the canal behind the 



