EVEIWION OF THE BLADDER. 519 



Treatment. The only resource is massage along the urethra, which 

 may sometimes break up the mass of sediment or move the obslruct- 

 mg calcuhis. One remark may, however, be made, viz., that in the 

 majority of cases the urethra is obstructed at its extremity by local 

 accumulations of sediment behind the spiral filiform prolongation of 

 the penis. 



It is then sufficient, and experienced shepherds have no hesitation 

 m performing the operation, to remove the spiral filament, thus facili- 

 tating the expulsion of the sediment and affording relief. If both 

 methods, viz., massage and section of the filament, fail, the animal 

 should be slaughtered, so as to avoid rupture of the bladder, which 

 would render the flesh useless as food. 



From a preventive standpoint, all sheep which are richly fed should 

 receive an allowance of some slightly alkaline drink. 



PARALYSIS OF THE BLADDER. 



Paralysis of the bladder is somewhat frequent in female, but very 

 rare in male, animals. In the majority of cases it is the consequence 

 of difficult parturition, or is a post-partum complication. 



It is characterised by incontinence of urine or retention with over- 

 flow. The continuous discharge soils the hind quarters, hocks, shanks, 

 pasterns, etc., and the urine decomposes and causes irritation ; it soon 

 sets up urinary eczema in all the parts with which it comes in contact, 

 a condition which can only be successfully treated by removing the 

 cause. 



The prognosis is grave, for methods of treatment are few, and of 

 doubtful efficacy. 



Treatment. If the condition results from post-partum infection, 

 this must naturally first receive attention. Should the infection have 

 disappeared whilst incontinence of urine still continues, the adminis- 

 tration of tonics, e.g., tincture of nux vomica in daily doses of f to 

 1 drachm for ten days or so in the case of a bovine animal, and a 

 stimulating application to the lumbo-sacral region, may bring about 

 recovery. 



But if, in spite of such treatment, the incontinence persists, it is 

 better, from an economic standpoint, to treat the urinary eczema with 

 astringents, etc., and quickly to fatten the animal. 



EVERSION OF THE BLADDER. 



Eversion of the bladder only occurs in female animals after difficult 

 parturition. The viscus is turned completely inside out, as occurs in 

 eversion of the uterus, the base of the bladder becoming invaginated in 



