INFLAMMATION OF THE URETHRA 429 



beyond the point of operation. When the calculus is in 

 the prostatic portion of the urethra, the sound should be 

 passed as before and the incision made at the ischial arch, 

 cutting down to the catheter or sound. The urethra then 

 is dilated by either passing a larger sound, or by inserting 

 a grooved director and enlarging it with a probe-pointed 

 knife. The calculus is then extracted by using a strong 

 dressing forceps. In some cases it may be crushed with 

 lithotomy forceps and taken out in pieces. 



In the female the operation is much more simple. In 

 some cases the calculus can be removed by manipulating it 

 with the finger inserted in the vagina. Should this fail the 

 urethra must be dilated or enlarged sufficiently to admit 

 forceps for its extraction. It is best to use a grooved director 

 and with a probe-pointed ' knife the urethra is divided up 

 to the stone, where it can be extracted with forceps. 



After-treatment consists in flushing out the bladder with 

 some mild antiseptic solution, such as sodium bicarbonate 

 (2 per cent.) or boric acid (2 per cent.). The wound should 

 be left open and kept clean with antiseptics. The urine 

 will at first pass out through the incision, but as the wound 

 fills in by granulation, eventually it will be voided normally. 

 In the female the vagina should be cleansed daily with 

 antiseptics. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE URETHRA. 



Urethritis, 



Urethritis is not a common primary condition in small 

 animals, but it sometimes accompanies other diseases of 

 the urinary organs. A primary urethritis results from 

 infection due to the introduction of a sound or catheter or 

 from injuries during copulation, etc. 



Symptoms. — Painful micturition. Pus and blood can be 

 pressed out of the urethra. 



Treatment.— Antiseptic solutions, such as boric acid (2 

 per cent.) or sulphate of zinc (1 per cent.) are to be used 

 as injections into the urethra and prepuce. 



