160 THE DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



Pabalysis op the Bladder results from prolonged re- 

 tention and over-distension, but with rest the organ gene- 

 rally regains its tone. In some nervous disorders, espe- 

 cially apoplexy and injuries to the spinal cord, the paralysis 

 persists, and small doses of nux vomica may be required. 

 In cases of retention of urine the catheter must be passed. 

 To perform this a human catheter of gum elastic is re- 

 quired, ranging from No. 1 to No. 5, according to the size 

 of the animal ; larger dogs even require Nos. 6, 7, and 8. 

 The dog must be placed on its side and the penis drawn 

 out, and then the catheter, without its wire and well 

 lubricated with oil, is inserted into the urinary meatus and 

 passed along the canal. The instrument meets with 

 some obstruction at the osseous portion of the canal, but 

 with care, patience, and delicacy of manipulation may be 

 got beyond this. It is directed by the hand round the 

 pubio-ischial arch, and then gradually passed to the 

 bladder. Mayhew, who carefully describes this operation, 

 warns us to immediately withdraw the catheter when the 

 urine, instead of flowing in gentle slow stream, is ejected 

 in jerks with force, " lest the bladder, energetically con- 

 tracting upon it, should cause the point to pierce the 

 sides of the viscus." This operation often needs repetition. 



Profuse staling is seldom seen in the dog. The con- 

 stant expulsion of a little urine by these animals when 

 excited, or on starting for a run, is so familiar a phenomenon 

 that it can never be mistaken for disease. Abuse of 

 diuretics, and, it is said, bad food, may induce this de- 

 rangement. 



The healthy urine of the dog differs from that of vege- 

 table feeders in the absence of hippuric acid, in its clear 

 consistency, bright yellow colour and strong odour. 

 Oxalic and uric calculi are more frequent in the dog than 

 in herbivora. Hematuria is found in acute inflammations 

 of the kidneys or bladder or as a result of injury, either 

 external or caused by calculi. It is important to deter- 

 mine from what part of the urinary apparatus the haemor- 

 rhage comes, and, this having been determined, astringent 

 and styptic means may be adopted. Mayhew has found 



