156 KENNEL DISEASES. 
In catheterizing a female, the instrument is passed upon the floor of the vagina 
until it reaches the urethral opening. Here it encounters the so-called urethral 
valve, which is merely a sphincter, or circular muscle, that closes the orifice. Its 
entrance is resisted by contractions, but they are soon overcome by gentle 
pressure. 
Catheterization in the female is much easier than in the male, yet even in the 
first instance some anatomical knowledge of the parts is required ; hence the 
operation ought never be undertaken except by professionals. 
PARAPHIMOSIS. 
The organ of generation returns to its sheath after “service” much more 
speedily in some dogs than in others. And not infrequently it remains pro- 
truded for ten, fifteen, or even twenty minutes, during the most of which period 
it is intensely swollen and purplish. Finally the deep color begins to fade, the 
swelling lessens, and the parts are restored. In extremely rare instances, how- 
ever, the organ does not return voluntarily, but remains uncovered until assisted 
back to its place. It is then that the condition known as paraphimosis exists. 
There may be a peculiarity in the sheath to favor this accident; but as a 
tule it is caused by interference, which is due to apprehension on the part of the 
owner or caretaker that the natural order of things will not be restored without it. 
The fact is urged that dogs should be left entirely to themselves until it is 
plainly evident that they require assistance, and this will certainly not be 
within half an hour after use. 
If at the end of that time there is no sign that the swelling is lessening, the 
dog should be first muzzled, especially if of large breed, and gently laid on his 
side. Cloths wrung out of ice-water should then be constantly applied for half 
an hour, or the affected parts be enveloped in muslin which holds cracked ice. 
The period stated having passed without improvement, a surgeon should be 
called to “nick” the sheath so that the organ may pass back. 
Dogs have been killed by this accident, the protruding parts having strangu- 
lated and died; but their lives were literally thrown away, because the simple 
treatment advised must have saved them. 
BALANITIS. 
The mucous membrane of the covering or sheath of the principal organ of 
generation of the dog is sometimes inflamed, and there then exists the affection 
known as balanitis. 
