48 



VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 



is difficulty in drawing it down, especially if the interior of the sheath 

 is lined by an accumulation of black and offensive secretion, when wash- 

 ing by soap and water will be necessary. On the hand being passed up, 

 the back only should be greased, the fingers being previously dried, a 

 simple proceeding which will enable the operator to hold the penis more 

 firmly, and maintain gentle traction, while the other hand softly rubs 

 down the perinjBum to hasten relaxation. 



The penis being withdrawn from the sheath, the end must be exam- 

 ined for mechanical obstructions at the preputial opening, which often 

 exist in the form of accumulations of sabulous or fine gritty paste, some- 

 times hardened, and by growth press upon the urethral opening and 

 close it effectualUy against the passage of urine. These accumulations 



Fig. 60 

 The Male Urethra. 



sometimes acquire such proportions and hardness as to merit the name 

 oi 2)reputial calculi. They are readily removed by pressing the thumb- 

 nail beneath from one side. 



These preliminaries being arranged, the flexible catheter is passed in 

 the following manner: — An assistant having rubbed it over with oil, and 

 placed the stilette inside, the end is put within the urethra, and the 

 whole tube follows in a straight line until it reaches the notch or turn at 

 the ischium when the stilette is withdrawn; the tube is then pushed 

 gently on as it rounds the bone, the operator using the left hand to direct 

 it forwards, when it readily enters the bladder, and urine follows with a 



