go 
Retention of the urine is a condition not very uncommon in the horse, 
and is dependent on a variety of causes. The animal, although attempting 
to pass water, is unable to do so. In these cases the bladder becomes much 
distended, and the animal stretches himself and strains violently, sometimes 
groaning with pain. In these cases a clyster of warm water, in which four 
drachms of opium have been boiled, has been recommended. The animal 
should be warmly clad, and a mild dose of physic, such as three-quarters of 
a pint of linseed oil, may be given. A ball consisting of camphor two 
drachms, and of opium one drachm, has proved useful, according to some 
authorities, when administered early, and repeated in a hour or two, When 
these measures are ineffectual, it will be necessary for the veterinary 
surgeon to pass the catheter. 
Incontinence of urine is a condition likewise depending upon several 
different causes. In some instances retention is accompanied by incon- 
tinence of urine, which continually dribbles away. In other cases it is due 
to stone in the bladder, or to paralysis of the orifice of this organ. When 
incontinence is due to over-distension, the catheter must be used. When dueto 
paralysis, clysters of cold water into the rectum, and the administration 
internally of balls consisting of powdered nux vomica a drachm, and of 
ginger and gentian with treacle to eight drachms, may be given twice or 
thrice daily. 
We have lastly to speak of stone in the bladder, and of inflammation of 
this organ. A calculus or stone is composed of varying substances, but in 
most cases contains a large quantity of carbonate of lime. It varies much in 
size and consistency, and may sometimes almost fill the cavity of the bladder, 
Stone is usually manifested by repeated straining, and attempts to pass 
water, colicky pains, incontinence of urine, repeated motions of the tail, 
stiffness of the hind limbs, and by interruption to the flow of urine. Surgical 
interference is the only treatment of any avail in cases of stone. The 
accompanying picture is a section of a calculus from the bladder of the 
horse, showing the disposition of its constituents in concentric circles. 
