626 DISEASES OF THE BLADDER, ETC. 



the urine. In other cases, and more especially in those where 

 the bladder contains much sabulous matter, there is incontinence 

 of urine, which, flowing over the thighs and legs, excoriates the 

 skin, and produces an erythematous condition of it, causing 

 the animal much annoyance, and giving rise to much foetor. 

 In mares thus affected, incontinence is almost a constant 

 symptom; and in the horse a dribbling of urine generally 

 succeeds the more perfect act of urination. 



The urine is sometimes of a high colour, sometimes whitish 

 or yellowish white, and deposits a thick sediment when allowed 

 to cool in a vessel, and a pungent odour of ammonia is emitted 

 by some specimens. 



Examination of the Patient for Cystic Calculus. — Examination 

 per rectum — " a mode of inquiry even known to Vegetius," says 

 Mr. Percivall, " is the veterinarian's grand confirming test of the 

 presence of calculus. It may be said to constitute his diagnosis, 

 for it will assuredly resolve all his doubts and apprehensions, 

 and, moreover, can be easily and readily practised without the 

 risk of any injury to the patient." 



In this method of examination it is usual to empty the rectum 

 by an enema of warm water, and to choose, as the most favour- 

 able time for examination, that immediately succeeding the act 

 of urination, it being easier to detect the stone in an empty than 

 in a full bladder. 



If the bladder be full at the time of examination, it should be 

 emptied either by pressure brought to bear upon it by the hand 

 of the operator through the walls of the rectum, or by the intro- 

 duction of the catheter. 



It is recommended by Mr. Percivall that, if the stone is not 

 found by examination per rectum, the horse should be cast, 

 and the bladder examined whilst he is laid upon his back. It 

 may certainly be necessary to do this, but in the few cases 

 that I have seen the diagnosis has always been easy without 

 casting. 



Treatment. — The calculus having been detected, it becomes 

 the duty of the veterinarian to remove it ; and to do this an 

 operation is necessary. 



Removal of the Calculus in the Mare. — The calculus may 

 be removed without cutting the urethra, and the method is as 

 lV»Uows : — 



