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Retention of the urine is a condition not very uncommon in the horse^ 

 and is dependent on a variety of causes. The animal, although attempting' 

 to pass water, is unable to do so. In these cases the bladder becomes much 

 distended, and the animal stretches himself and strains violently, sometimes 

 groaning with pain. In these cases a clyster of warm water, in which four 

 drachms of opium have been boiled, has been recommended. The animal 

 should be warmly clad, and a mild dose of physic, such as three-quarters of 

 a pint of linseed oil, may be given. A ball consisting of camphor two 

 drachms, and of opium one drachm, has proved useful, according to some 

 authorities, when administered early, and repeated in a hour or two. When 

 these measures are ineffectual, it will be necessary for the veterinary 

 surgeon to pass the catheter. 



Incontinence of urine is a condition likewise depending upon several 

 different causes. In some instances retention is accompanied by incon- 

 tinence of urine, which continually dribbles away. In other cases it is due 

 to stone in the bladder, or to paralysis of the orifice of this organ. When 

 incontinence is due to over-distension, the catheter must be used. When due to 

 paralysis, clysters of cold water into the rectum, and the administration 

 internally of balls consisting of powdered nux vomica a drachm, and of 

 ginger and gentian with treacle to eight drachms, may be given twice or 

 thrice daily. 



We have lastly to speak of stone in the bladder, and of inflammation of 

 this organ. A calculus or stone is composed of varying substances, but in 

 most cases contains a large quantity of carbonate of lime. It varies much in 

 size and consistency, and may sometimes almost fill the cavity of the bladder. 

 Stone is usually manifested by repeated straining, and attempts to pass 

 water, colicky pains, incontinence of urine, repeated motions of the tail^ 

 stiffness of the hind limbs, and by interruption to the flow of urine. Surgical 

 interference is the only treatment of any avail in cases of stone. The 

 accompanying picture is a section of a calculus from the bladder of the 

 horse, showing the disposition of its constituents in concentric circles. 



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