4 i6 VETERINARY LECTURES 



adopted, it is necessary that the real cause be ascertained. If it 

 arises from the effects of inflammation of the kidneys, strong diuretics 

 are dangerous, whereas, if from the sluggish action of those organs, 

 then diuretics may be given; 



722. Retention of Urine. — This is very different from suppression, 

 as in this case the urine is properly secreted by the kidneys, and 

 passed along the ureters to the bladder in the natural way, but is not 

 ejected. There are many causes for this condition, of which the 

 following are the chief : Extreme muscular contraction, or spasm of 

 the neck of the bladder — strangury — due, perhaps, to the applica- 

 tion of a fly blister to any part of the body ; paralysis of the muscles 

 of the bladder ; enlargement of the glands near the neck of the 

 bladder ; the presence of calculi in the bladder, or in the urethral 

 passage ; or the coagulation of the solid portions of pus discharged 

 from an abscess in the kidneys or bladder {par. 715). Examples of 

 the three last named have come under my own observation. Again, 

 another great cause of retention is the habit which a horse acquires 

 of refusing to stale except in a box, or stall, with straw under it. 

 On coming in from a long journey ; the urine has been retained such 

 a length of time that, even when anxious to urinate, only small jets 

 of the fluid are passed. In these cases the neck of the bladder 

 becomes inverted, and the body of that organ overlaps and presses 

 on the passage or urethra, thus preventing a free flow. Symptoms. — 

 The animal is very uneasy, groans, has colicky pains, draws the 

 penis, and makes frequent attempts to stale. The hind-legs are 

 stretched backwards and held wide apart, while the tail is rolled 

 about in various directions, and perspiration bedews the body. 

 Treatment.— The hand and arm should be well oiled or soaped, and 

 carefully introduced into the rectum, and the dung removed, after 

 which the bladder will be felt like a distended bag underneath the 

 hand. By the aid of gentle pressure with the hand, and warm-water 

 injections thrown into the rectum, the animal may then urinate ; if 

 not, the urine must be removed by the catheter. 



723. Cystitis, or Inflammation of the Bladder, is seldom seen 

 either in the horse, cow, or sheep, except after cases of difficult 



