URINARY CALCULI. 631 



(4.) URINARY CALCULI IN THE DOG. 



The urethral calculi not infrequent in old dogs are usually formed 

 in the bladder. They almost always become fixed in the gutter of 

 the os penis or close behind it. Straining to pass urine, passage of 

 a few drops, uneasiness, distension of the bladder, &c, sufficiently 

 indicate the nature of the condition. 



A metal catheter, which is easily introduced into the urethra, 

 will at once reveal the presence of the calculus and its position. In 

 this examination the dog is laid on its back, with its left side towards 

 the operator. The prepuce, which should be grasped about an inch 

 behind its termination, is then thrust back with the fore-finger and 

 thumb behind the corona glandis, the latter firmly pressed upon, 

 and the penis thus caused to protrude. The catheter is then introduced 

 into the opening of the urethra, which is easily seen, and passed 

 onwards until checked by contact with the calculus, readily recognised 

 by its hardness. By now removing the left hand from the prepuce, 

 the end of the catheter and the stone may at once be felt below the 

 skin. 



In spite of this the operation offers greater difficulties than in 

 other animals, is often followed by stricture, and not infrequently 

 proves fatal. It has therefore been recommended, when possible, 

 to thrust the stone back into the bladder, which may sometimes 

 be effected with the help of an elastic catheter ; but if, in consequence 

 of the rough nature of the stone and the already existing swelling 

 of the urethral mucous membrane, this prove ixnpossible, early 

 operation alone offers a chance of saving life, for rupture of the bladder 

 in dogs leads to death in twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and is the 

 more to be feared the more completely the passage of urine appears 

 to be interfered with. 



Urethrotomy is carried out in dogs in the above described dorsal 

 position. A catheter or sound is passed into the urethra and held 

 by an assistant ; the skin is then incised for a length of | to 1 inch 

 immediately over the stone, and a second incision made exposing 

 the stone. The difficulties only begin at this point. As the gutter 

 in the os penis is narrower below, and forms a kind of tube split along 

 its inferior margin, it is often impossible to remove the stone, even 

 when completely exposed. It is often necessary to employ a powerful 

 but narrow pair of forceps, so as first to break down the calculus 

 and then to remove the fragments from the swollen urethra, a 

 proceeding often entailing injury to the latter. Several more calculi 

 may be lodged behind the first and cause great difficulty in removal ; 



