PASSING THE CATHETER 179 



the urine will flow as from a syphon in steady and continuous stream until 

 but little is left behind; but it is generally considered advisable, where 

 extreme distension has existed, to leave some portion of the fluid behind for 

 a time, with the object of exciting contraction in the walls of the bladder 

 and restoring its normal function. 



The catheter is now withdrawn, and if any meal or other substance has 

 been used on the hands, the penis should be cleansed, and some simple 



Fig. 525. Insertion of Female Catheter 



A, Bladder. B, Catheter, c, Membranous fold overlapping the orifice of the bladder. D, Vagina. 



E, Uterus. F, Rectum. 



unguent applied within the sheath to facilitate the extrusion of the organ 

 in the act of micturition. 



Among the chief disorders necessitating the employment of the catheter 

 in the male animal may be mentioned retention of urine from stricture, 

 enlargement of the prostate gland, the presence of calculi, injuries to the 

 penis, morbid growths, inflammation of the bladder, and paralysis. 



The female catheter (fig. 525) is a shorter instrument, and often com- 

 posed of metal a soft alloy, which will permit of slight bending. It is 

 also made of caoutchouc, of cellulose, and other materials similar to those 

 employed in the manufacture of male catheters. The orifice of the female 

 bladder will be found on the floor of the vulva, about 4 to 6 inches from 



VOL. in. 772 



