198 THE CANADIAN HOESB 



bone staff. Care must be taken not to allow air to enter the 

 cavity, as death has often occurred from this cause during 

 the operation. The incision is to be brought together by- 

 sutures and adhesive plasters. 



The operation may be repeated in a day or two on the 

 other side. In most cases the relief is but temporary. 



In tapping for dropsy of the belly (paracentesis abdomenis) 

 the puncture may be made in any part of the middle Hue, 

 from the navel (umbilicus) to the sheath in the horse, and 

 from the umbilicus to the udder in the mare. As in the 

 other, relief is but temporary, and requires frequent repetition. 



Iodine should be freely given while conducting these ex- 

 periments, and the general health should be attended to. 



LITHOTOMY. 



The formation of calculi in the bladder is of rare occur- 

 rence in the horse, compared with its frequency in the human 

 subject. So formidable an operation should never be under- 

 taken but by an experienced surgeon. 



Having ascertained beyond doubt the existence of stone, 

 a course of preparation is necessary before operating, consist- 

 ing in bran mashes, and opening medicine, with small doses 

 of alkaline carbonates, to render the urine alkaline and less 

 irritating to the wounded urethra and bladder. 



He must be secured on his back and well propped up by 

 bundles of straw, and steadied by assistants. Having all 

 the instruments, sponges, ligatures, &c., within easy reach, 

 the operator proceeds by emptying the rectum out with the 

 hand, and again satisfying himself of the presence and posi- 

 tion of the stone, he passes a curved metallic bougie as far as 

 the curvature of the. urethra will admit, which is held by 

 an assistant. A large incision is now made with a common 

 scalpel iti the perineum, carried for about four inches out- 



