328 DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



The scarification of the glans, or the slitting of the 

 prepuce, should not ever be allowed, save the absolute 

 failure of all other measures has demonstrated relief is 

 not otherwise to be procured. Before these severe re- 

 sorts are sanctioned, the effects of cold and stimulants, 

 locally applied, ought to be fully and patiently tried. A 

 lotion containing ether, in such proportions as water will 

 dissolve it, should be applied to the part ; and spirit of 

 nitric ether, to which double its amount of proof spirit 

 has been added, may be with a camel's hair pencil paint- 

 ed over its surface. Ice is even better, but both, accord- 

 ing as they can be readily obtained, are beneficial. Gen- 

 tle manipulations will also be of benefit, and if the 

 patience of the practitioner be not too easily exhaust- 

 ed, he will rarely need more to bring about that which 

 is desired. 



Retention of urine, though not very common in the 

 dog, is, however, encountered too frequently to be term- 

 ed a rare affection. It mostly accompanies debility, 

 during the last stage of distemper, and is sometimes 

 present in paralysis of the hind extremities. I have not 

 seen a case in which it took the acute form, though 

 obviously it may do so. 



The symptoms generally are obscure ; for in the ma- 

 jority of instances the distension of the bladder will 

 simply aggravate the general uneasiness. The condi- 

 tion of the part, therefore, may not be suspected, but in 

 such cases it is to be ascertained by manipulation. By 

 taking the animal, and gently pressing its abdomen, if 



