IRRITABILITY OF THE BLADDER. 149 
CHAPTER II. 
IRRITABILITY OF THE BLADDER. 
By irritability of the bladder is meant a slight irritation of its lining mem- 
brane, which causes merely frequent urination. It is the most common of all 
affections of the bladder. While none are exempt from it, by far the most 
frequent victims are contestants at shows, dogs sent on journeys in crates, or 
house pets kept in large towns and cities, whose outings depend upon the con- 
venience of their owners or caretakers. In such cases, obviously, the cause is 
retention of the bladder’s contents, which soon undergo decomposition and 
changes which render it irritating. 
As a rule when due to this cause the affection is transitory, and entire recov- 
ery occurs in the course of from two to five days. It may, however, persist for 
a longer period; in which case it is quite certain to become an actual inflam- 
mation. 
A dog that has the habit of neatness will often suffer intensely before he 
will soil his crate or bench at a show; and in some instances there will be reten- 
tion of nearly forty-eight hours. The victim then presents a tucked-up appear- 
ance, his abdomen being shrunken and its walls hard, while his back is arched. 
Now when let out he is seen to strain in his efforts to urinate. But at first they 
are ineffectual, because the expulsive power of the bladder has been too much 
weakened by the distention. After a time, however, a few drops are expelled; 
again and again small quantities, until finally the act is complete. 
Generally for a day or two thereafter there is some “ weakness,” characterized 
by frequent urination ; but, as said, usually all signs of trouble speedily disappear. 
Irritability of the bladder is sometimes attended by more or less spasmodic 
stricture and inability to pass the urine. The same may be confined to its neck, 
or the irritability may cause the walls of the bladder to contract violently, and 
thus its cavity be greatly reduced in size, so that not only will it hold a very 
small quantity, but the urine can scarcely be passed except drop by drop, and 
always with intense distress. If the catheter is then introduced the operation 
is very difficult and exceedingly painful. 
Beyond retention there are several other influences which are occasionally 
active in producing irritability of the bladder, and among them are chemical 
irritants, as turpentine, and the peculiar excitement from which dogs in the stud 
are victims. 
