106 THE CANADIAN HOESE 



consequent on faulty assimilation ; a nucleus, (usually of 

 oxalate of lime,) either forms in the bladder or escapes from 

 the kidneys, round which the solid constituents of the urine 

 concrete, layer after layer being deposited until a stone is 

 formed. 



Symptoms. — The early symptoms are indefinite, and sel- 

 dom attract attention ; he may be noticed to express uneasi- 

 ness in staling, and to urinate more frequently; the urine 

 is usually thicker, whiter, and less in quantity; he is subject 

 to little fits of uneasiness, and the grooms remark that he is 

 " troubled in his water ;" slight stiffness in the loins is ob- 

 servable in walking. ' 



When it attains the size of a stone, the symptoms are more 

 characteristic ; he makes frequent but ineffectual efforts to 

 stale,., or a few drops may dribble away; is often found 

 standing stretched as if to stale, the penis hangs out, the 

 urine is continually dribbling away, the sheath is wet and 

 excoriated, theiegs wet, and the hair in front rough and 

 discoloured. He rapidly loses condition. . The appetite is 

 usually very good, and the bowels regular. He straddles in 

 his walk, and turns with difficulty. 



These symptoms should at once lead to examination by 

 the hand introduced into the rectum, when the stone may be 

 felt. It is distinguished from the . fecal pellets by its hard- 

 ness, size, and shape. It may or may not be movable. 



Treatment. — It is very rarely we are called upon to pre- 

 scribe in the early stages of calculous formations. The plan 

 of treatment is evident ; we must remove the uric tendency 

 by regulating, the diet and exercise, improve digestion and 

 assimilation by tonics, vegetable and mineral, and increase 

 the solubility of the deposits by giving appropriate medicines. 

 Thus, when on examination the urine is found containing 

 excess of uric acid, alkalies must be given. The ' carbonates 



