628 OPERATION FOR URETHRAL CALCULUS IN RUMINANTS. 



in front of the scrotum. He says this prevents infiltration of urine, 

 which not only checks healing, but constitutes a grave danger to 

 the animal's general health. The operation wound heals in about 

 fourteen days. 



When the calculus cannot be discovered, Ciani recommends 

 completely dividing the urethra above the obstruction, producing 

 fistula, to allow passage of urine, and fattening the animal. 



Urethrotomy in front of the scrotum. 



As already remarked, the calculus almost always lies in the first 

 bend of the urethra, just above the scrotum. This position is incon- 

 venient for operation, and is not often selected in Germany ; it seems 

 to be more in use in France. According to Peuch and Toussaint, 

 the animal is laid on its left side, the right hind foot drawn towards 

 the shoulder, and the operator draws the penis forward so as to extend 

 the " S "-shaped bend. Should the stone now be felt, a longitudinal 

 incision is made in the urethra and the calculus removed with forceps 

 or a spoon. If not, the hair is cut away in front of the scrotum, a 

 cross fold of skin pinched up and divided, exposing the penis. The 

 index finger of the left hand is passed into the opening, the penis 

 grasped with the bent finger and drawn out through the wound. 

 The rest of the operation is as above. Dupont divides the urethra 

 immediately after cutting through the skin. If, after removing the 

 stone, no considerable quantity of urine is discharged, the urethra 

 must be explored, and, if necessary, the operation repeated again 

 at a higher point. Bouley thinks infiltration of urine need scarcely 

 be feared, and if it should appear, can be cured by making deep 

 incisions ; abscesses, when occurring, are similarly treated. 



Urethrotomy in the ischial region. 



On account of the considerable diameter of the urethra, calculi 

 seldom become fixed at this point, and operation is usually performed 

 at the ischial arch only to give relief more rapidly and remove the 

 imminent danger of rupture of the bladder. Operation here is also 

 easier for the unpractised. After providing an exit for the urine, 

 the concretions, which lie at a lower point, are allowed to remain. 

 The operation is, therefore, most useful in animals nearly ready for 

 slaughter, though it may be replaced by puncture of the bladder 

 (see section hereafter, " Puncture of the Bladder "). 



This method may also be resorted to if the stone cannot be found, 

 or if found, cannot be removed, or if such changes have occurred 

 in the urethra as are likely to prevent passage of urine. 



The general procedure and after-treatment are similar to those 

 in the horse. If the animal is not destined for early slaughter a tube 



