RETENTION OF UBINE. 103 



The loss of power In the muscular coat of the bladder may he due to 

 paralysis proper, or may he induced hy distention following the oouflne- 

 ment of dogs excessively neat in their habits. 



Spasmodic stricture may he caused hy exposure to cold and damp, by 

 certain drugs taken into the stomach as cantharides, or the same may be 

 absorbed from blisters. 



Temporary stricture sometimes occurs in stud dogs the result of undue 

 seiraal excitement. 



Symptoms. — Restlessness and continuous pain, with constant and inef- 

 fectual efforts to urinate are the prominent symptoms. The animal's 

 movements are unceasing and his gait stiff and " straddling." In getting 

 up and lying down his actions are restrained as though painful. The abdo- 

 men is distended, and pressure over tlie bladder causes shrinking and 

 distress. Unless relieved the pain grows more severe, vomiting occurs, 

 the pulse runs high, becomes weak and feeble, and the general appear- 

 ances Indicate gravity. Convulsions often occur, followed by profound 

 stupor and death. 



3^reaimeni, — If the symptoms are not extreme, one grain of opium 

 should be given and followed hy a hot loin hath. The great object is to 

 arrest the efforts of the animal to urinate, and when they are discontinued, 

 often the bladder will empty itself. After the opium a dose of castor oil 

 should he administered. 



If these measures are unsuccessfully employed, a surgeon should he 

 called and the catheter used to evacuate the bladder. 



Ketentlon associated with paralysis demands the use of the catheter, 

 and the employment of treatment elsewhere advised. 



If the prostate is enlarged the iodide of potassium is indicated in three 

 grain doses, three times daily. The food should he unirritating in charac- 

 ter, milk entering largely into the diet. 





