184 CADSKS, SYMPTOMS AND TKEATMENT OF 



or due to partial paralysis of the hind quarters, which also affects the 

 bladder ; but paralysis does not always so affect the bladder, and you 

 may meet paralysis of the bladder, where the urine may be retained. 

 In all such cases examine as to the state of the blood, and find what is 

 the cause, and if due to general weakness, give a generous diet, mineral 

 tonics, and use cold water frequently, from a quarter to a half hour at 

 a time ; and if due to paralysis you may use nux vomica ; if due to 

 calculi, the remedy is to remove them. There are other names used 

 in connection with diseases of the bladder. Ischuria, truly speaking, 

 is retention, but it is used for both retention and suppression. Dysu- 

 ria is a painful discharge of urine, and stronger where the urine is 

 passed in drops. These are more symptomatic of disease than diseases 

 themselves. 



Paralysis of the Bladder itself is sometimes noticed in the horse, 

 and generally proceeds from debility or exposure, but may be due to 

 some other influence ; over-distention may cause it, or nervous influ- 

 ence. It is more likely to occur in horses poorly kept. 



Symptoms. — The bladder retains the urine, unless it is paralysis of 

 the neck ; if that is paralyzed, then the reverse is noticed ; but if there 

 is paralysis of the body of the bladder, it becomes distended to an 

 enormous extent, while the fibres of the neck retain their power of con- 

 traction, and the urine dribbles from the urethra, which may mislead 

 you, unless you make a careful examination as to the state of the 

 bladder. You might think it was a pure case of incontinence, but if 

 examined, the bladder may be found enormously distended. 



Treatment. — Remove the contents with the catheter, then syringe 

 the parts, first with tepid water, then gradually go from hot to cold ; 

 try the effects of tonics, especially nerve tonics, as nux vomica, and 

 it may be necessary to draw the water once or twice a day for several 

 days. 



Hseniotiiria, or blood urine, may proceed from various causes, and 

 is symptomatic of other diseases, as calculi, or it may proceed from 

 injury to the urethra, kidneys, etc., and it has been said to proceed 

 from severe sprain of the loins, which causes rupture of some of the 

 vessels ; and such cases are serious, if the rupture is in the kidneys, 

 for the blood will set up irritation, and is apt to produce inflam- 

 mation. There may be blood in the urine, or the blood may be 

 passed immediately after urinating. In such cases examine per 

 rectum, and give an internal styptic, as acetate of lead, one scruple, 

 with powdered opium ; or, you may give the tincture of chloride of 

 iron. 



Castration. — There are few countries where this operation is not 

 performed to any great extent. The best age for the operation is 

 when the animal is about one year old. There is some difference 

 of opinion about this ; but if it is done younger than this it may 

 prevent his growth to a certain extent, and in some cases it may be 

 advisable to keep him longer, to increase his growth, especially the 

 crest. The spring months, April or May, are the safest time for the 

 operation, after the animal has had a run of eight or ten days at 

 pasture, and his coat is shed. There are certain precautions 

 necessary before operation, which are well laid down in Williams' 

 works, and I endorse them generally. Do not operate upon a colt 

 that has been kept in an ill-ventilated place, but have the colt in 

 good condition, and the weather moderate, neither too hot or too 

 cold. He also says not to operate near any decomposed matter, 



