460 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



RENAL CALCULI. 



Calculi are often found in the kidneys, and are usually- 

 composed of the salts of lime and magnesia. They occur 

 in connection with h3^pertrophy of the kidneys ; and also 

 occur without being in connection with any other abnormal 

 condition. They frequently exist for a long time without 

 giving rise to any apparent inconvenience, or manifesting 

 the slightest sign of their presence, the animal in such 

 cases remaining in the best of condition while they are 

 present. Sometimes they give rise to severe pain, and the 

 other general symptoms of kidney trouble. 



Treatment. — Very little can be done in the way of treat- 

 ment except to give opiates to relieve pain. Demulcent 

 drinks to relieve irritation existing in connection with the 

 mucous membrane lining the kidneys and ureters, and 

 some of the mineral acids, preferably hydrochloric acid, 

 may be given for the purpose of breaking up or dissolving 

 the calculi already formed, and preventing a further deposi- 

 tion of calcareous material, and in due course of time the 

 calculi may pass down and out, either whole, or in partial 

 or complete solution. 



RETENTION OF URINE. 



In this condition the urine is properly secreted, in 

 normal quantities, and passes to its proper receptacle, 

 the bladder, but its escape from there is j^revented, or 

 at least retarded, by muscular contraction of the neck 

 of the bladder. Retention is often seen in a case of 

 colic. In other cases the escape of the urine from the 

 bladder may be prevented by enlargement of the prostate 

 gland, which, pressing upon the urethra, completely closes 

 it. This is a common cause among very old animals. The 



