PASSING THE CATHETER. 667 



draw the stillet, and the operator should place his finger on the 

 point of the catheter, so as to depress it, and cause it to enter the 

 bladder. He should introduce his hand into the rectum, if neces- 

 sary. While he is thus guiding the catheter, the assistant should 

 push it upwards, taking care to avoid any roughness in so doing. 



The foregoing description is that of the usual ma.nner in which 

 the male catheter is used. Another operation is as follows^: With 

 a sponge, soap and warm water, wiash the sheath, and then gently 

 draw out the penis by firm but gentle traction on the glans penis. 

 When the gland is just above the sheath, place a fine flexible 

 catheter in the soapy warm water, and pass it gently up the penis 

 as far as it will go. If the urine does not escape, blow air forcibly 

 through the free end of the catheter with the mouth. If the air 

 cannot be heard to enter the bladder, the catheter must be pushed 

 farther up. 



Vaseline, fats and oil should not be used. Soapy water is best, 

 and does not destroy the catheter. The catheter should be-finer 

 and more flexible than those usually supplied. The catheter has 

 been so passed many times, and in no case has the animal 

 required to have a twitch, hobbles, or even a leg held up. All that 

 is needed is a man to hold him. 



The female catheter is a tube of similar material to the instru- 

 ment used for horses. It is about a foot long, and is not provided 

 with a stillet. 



The orifice of the urethra in the mare is situated on the fioor of 

 the vulva and 4 to 6 inches within the external opening. It is 

 guarded by a large valve of mucous membrane. The free end of 

 this valve is inclined backwards, so as to prevent the urine entering 

 the vagina. The urethra of the mare is wider than that of the 

 horge, and is very short. ■ The urinary valve should be lifted up- 

 by the point of the right index finger, and the catheter having 

 been well oiled, should be gently pushed onward until it enters the 

 bladder. The urine contained in the bladder will then find a ready 

 escape. 



When the bladder has been distended for a considerable time, it 

 may become partially paralyzed, in which case it is good practice, 

 both with the horse and the mare, to put the right hand in the 

 rectum, and aid evacuation by exerting gentle pressure on the 

 bladder. i 



Chloroform, Giving. 



See p. 618. 



