2o8 Diseases of the Urinary System. 



urine, in which cases, by removal of the direct cause, and 

 absolute rest, the organ resumes its natural contractile 

 powers. When it depends upon nervous diseases, injury 

 to the spinal cord, apoplexy, &c., the inability to dis- 

 charge the contents remains, when nerve stimulants, as 

 strychnine, or probably the iodide of iron may be useful. 

 Removal of the urifie may also be required at stated inter- 

 vals, which the canine practitioner will accomplish by 

 means of a suitable catheter. Animals suffering from any 

 urinary complaint should be removed to the surgeon's 

 premises, where special attention can be bestowed. 



Disease of the Prostate is common in the dog. It 

 is generally a disease of senility, and as such proves in- 

 curable. The age of the patient renders treatment 

 undesirable and a study of the causes will confirm the 

 decision. 



CaleiiUis, or Stone in the Urethra, as a rule, 

 originates in the bladder, but is retained in its passage 

 from that organ, and becomes the source of irritation 

 and stoppage of urine. In some instances it is situate 

 in that portion of the canal lying within the pelvis, when 

 removal can only be effected by an operation, for which 

 the canine surgeon alone is competent. 



Urethritis, or Inflammation of the Urethra, in its 

 extended form, arises from participation in disease of the 

 bladder, prostate gland, &c., and the presence of calculus. 

 Balanitis consists of a similar state, but confined to the 

 lining membrane of the prepuce or hood-shaped covering 

 at the free extremity of the penis ; and Posthitis, or 

 Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane, investing the 

 glans penis, are two local forms of urethritis dependent 

 upon causes acting locally, as dirt, debility, want of exer- 

 cise, overfeeding, &c., and is common to pet and watch- 

 dogs, and others affected with mange. These forms 

 are common to dogs which are constantly at large, 

 roaming our streets, and often as worthless mongrels, are 

 the progenitors of the mongrel race. The disgusting 

 scenes which ensue are a disgrace to our local forms of 

 government, and their continuance is mainly respon- 

 sible for the perpetuation of rabies. In the urethral form 



