162 Diseases of the Horse. 



out for some time; and may groan, kick at his belly, and 

 even lie down on accout of the pain. 



When these symptoms are observed, the attendant should 

 " feel for the stone.'^ This is to be done as follows : The 

 rectum should be emptied by an injection of w^arm w^ater, 

 immediately after the horse has emptied his bladder. The 

 hand of the operator is then to be well oiled and introduced 

 into the rectum, and the bladder detected and examined. 

 This can readily be done without the risk of any injury to 

 the animal, and with the almost positive certainty of discov- 

 ering the stone if it is there. 



Treatment. — In the mare, even a large stone can be re- 

 moved by dilating the urethra, the orifice of which is about 

 four inches inside the vagina, and then introducing a forceps. 



In the gelding or stallion, the surgeon has to extract it by 

 the operation of " cutting for stone.'^ It is not necessary to 

 describe the steps of these manoeuvres, as they require special 

 instruments and a knowledge of anatomy, which only belong 

 to a professional man. 



The preventive measures are suggested by what has been 

 said above about the causes of the complaint. 



RETEWTIOir Oa SUPPRESSION OF TTRINE—STRANGUKY— DIFFICULT 



OR PAINFUL STALEING. 



"When it is observed that a horse stales with difficulty or 

 pain, the cause of this condition should be carefully inquired 

 into, as it may be of a serious nature, requiring prompt at- 

 tention to save the animaFs life. 



It may arise from 



1. Palsy of the bladder, following an injury, meningitis, 

 lockjaw, staggers, severe colic or other acute disease. 



2. Disease of the parts, as spasm or inflammation of the 

 neck of the bladder, stricture of the urethra, enlargement of 



