CALCULI IN THE URETHRA 427 



Etiology.— This is brought about by a number of condi- 

 tions which lead to injury of the mucous membrane, and in 

 the healing process to the formation of cicatricial tissue 

 with narrowing of the lumen, and loss of elasticity in the 

 urethral wall. The most common causes of stricture are: 

 Calculi, tumors, urethritis and torsion of the urethra occur- 

 ring during copulation. 



Symptoms.— Impeded or complete suppression of micturi- 

 tion, with straining and pain. Bladder distended. In some 

 cases small quantities of urine will be passed after much 

 straining. 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis is made by noting the symp- 

 toms, and the passage of a sound or catheter. Stricture 

 of the urethra should not be confused with calculi and 

 prostatic enlargement. 



Prognosis.— Not very favorable, as complete recovery is 

 rare. 



Treatment.— The passage of a sound or catheter daily for 

 a time will tend to dilate the urethra. The catheter or 

 sound should be well disinfected each time to avoid infec- 

 tion in the urethra or bladder. No other treatment has 

 proved of any value. 



CALCULI IN THE URETHRA. 



Frequently in the male dog calculi are found at some 

 point along the course of the urethra. These stones are 

 passed from the bladder and are of sufficient size to become 

 lodged in the urethra at the prostate gland and at the os 

 penis. While they usually consist of one or more concre- 

 tions, in some cases an impacted mass of small stones with 

 blood or fibrin clot forms the stoppage. Occasionally there 

 will be found injury to the mucous membrane, the stones 

 passing out in part into the adjacent tissues. 



Symptoms.— When the calculi become lodged in the urethra 

 marked symptoms develop in a short time. If there is 

 complete stoppage of urine, the animal will soon show dis- 

 tress, frequent attempts at micturition, straddling, stiff 

 gait, evidences of urinary pain or colic. Examination of 



