2T4 RETENTION OF URINJB, 



pints of linseed oil, to which niay be advantageously added 

 one drachm of chloroform. Bathe the loins with the follow- 

 ing mixture ■. of strong mustard, a quarter of a pound ; water, 

 half a pint ; hartshorn, two ounces : mix thoroughly together, 

 and rub it well in. Give half a drachm of lactucarium three 

 times a day ; or, if more convenient, the extract of belladonna 

 may be substituted.^ Give plenty of flaxseed tea ; if the animal 

 refuses to drink it, drench him with it. No hay must be 

 given until twenty-four hours after he becomes convalescent. 

 This is one of the most dangerous diseases to which the horse 

 is subject. 



RETEWTION OF URnSTB. 



This disease, technically known as spasm of the neck of the 

 bladder, is found more frequently as an attendant upon other 

 diseases than as an independent affection. It frequently occurs 

 in colics as an accompanying symptom, thus misleading the 

 ordinary obsei*ver in his judgment of the disorder. 



The most common symptom is frequent but unsuccessful 

 efforts to stale. This, however, must not be depended upon 

 too strongly ; as it will sometimes be observed in horses that 

 are comparatively sound in these organs, particularly in those 

 that have been \vell eared for. In such cases this temporary 

 retention of urine arises from a dislike on the part of the 

 iinimal of splattering his legs in voiding his water; hence he 

 jrill often retain it in the bladder, though painful to him, until 

 ihe litter is placed under him, wiien he at once stretches him- 

 Belf, and the urine flows freely and copiously. This fact has 

 given rise to a superstitious notion among horsemen, that 

 there is some peculiar virtue, in the straw to cause this sudden 



