EXAMINATION 411 



Vaginal palpation is possible in the larger breeds, and is 

 performed in much the same manner as the rectal. The 

 index finger should be inserted as far as possible, and if 

 the bladder is distended it can be felt at the pelvic inlet, or 

 if it is inflamed slight pressure will be very painful. Vaginitis, 

 fecal accumulations in the rectum, and tumors should be 

 differentiated. 



Laparotomy.— In both the male and female dog it is quite 

 possible, safe, and practical, to perform this operation under 

 strict antiseptic precautions, so that a direct inspection of 

 the bladder may be made. In the female the incision should 

 be made just anterior to the pubis in the median line, and in 

 the male to one side of the penis but close to the pubis. The 

 incision should be made large enough (2 or 3 inches) so that 

 the bladder may be exposed to view. Care should be 

 observed in cutting through the peritoneum so as not to incise 

 the bladder, as this organ when distended will extend forward 

 in some cases beyond the umbilicus. The bladder is exam- 

 ined for distention with urine, inflammation (acute and 

 chronic), calculi, ulcerations, paralysis, etc. The laparotomy 

 wound should be closed as usual. (See Laparotomy.) • 



Examination of the Urine.— A sample of urine is best 

 obtained by passing a catheter, provided there is any urine 

 present, or by catching the urine in some receptacle as it is 

 passed by the animal. Catheterization has been found to 

 be the most practical method in these animals. This is done 

 in the male animal by placing it in a dorsal position; restrain 

 with hobbles. Choose a small sized human catheter, soften 

 and disinfect by placing it for ten to fifteen minutes in warm 

 lysol solution (2 per cent.). Expose the penis by pushing 

 back the prepuce with the left hand, and with the right hand 

 insert the catheter into the urethral opening. Two normal 

 obstructions will be noted as the catheter is inserted: The 

 first one as the catheter reaches the bone of the penis; the 

 other as the catheter reaches the ischial arch. The former 

 obstruction may be overcome by gentle pressure; to pass 

 the ischial arch it will sometimes be necessary to partially 

 remove the stilet, and with the finger direct the catheter 

 over this point. The stilet should be gradually removed 



