204 
RUPTURE OF THE URETHRA OF AN OX, 
CONSEQUENT UPON INJURY, FOLLOWED BY IMMENSE EXTRAVA- 
SATION OF URINE INTO THE CELLULAR TISSUE UNDER THE 
ABDOMEN, WITH EXTENSIVE SLOUGHING OF SKIN AND PRE- 
PUCE. 
By Robert Read, M.R.C. V.S., Crediton, Devon , 
December 7, 1847. — I WAS requested to look at an ox, the 
property of Thomas Hole, Esq., Gutton Barton, Sho brook, which 
had a large circumscribed swelling under the belly, mostly con- 
fined around the prepuce, but extending backward. 1 examined 
the swelling, and pronounced it to be an effusion of urine under the 
skin, arising from some cause that had lacerated the urethra. Mr. 
Hole could hardly credit such was the case, as there was no 
visible wound or injury externally, and as in urinating it flowed 
through the prepuce. I still maintained my conviction that such 
was the fact, although a portion came through the natural channel. 
On driving the ox out of his stall he began to urinate, but the 
stream was small, and soon ceased. On looking at the animal 
behind, the detrusores urinse were still acting, and propelling the 
urine into the cellular tissue. By the following morning I ex- 
pected there would be a total stoppage through the natural orifice. 
Such was the case. On visiting him the next day, the swelling 
was most extensive, and might be not inaptly compared to a com- 
mon market pannier in size. Knowing it would be fruitless to 
attempt passing any instrument beyond the receipt of injury, I at 
once introduced the trocar its full length, as near as I could guess, 
posterior to the receipt of injury. On pulling out the stilette the 
urine rushed out with considerable force, followed by an intoler- 
able stench, resembling putrid urine. The owner was now satis- 
fied, and convinced that my diagnosis was correct. When the part 
was at its utmost distention the ox failed a little in his appetite, 
and slight fever came on. On seeing him the following morning 
after the introduction of the trocar, the swelling was considerably 
reduced, and the urine still running through the canula. I ap- 
prised Mr. Hole that in all probability extensive sloughing of the 
skin would take place, and a false outlet or urinary fistula would 
be the termination, provided gangrene did not kill the animal. 
On the 12th, ecchymosis of the skin was plainly indicated : 
four or five days after it began to separate, and the urine rushed 
out through several openings. The artificial opening now allowed 
the urine to escape ; the canula was withdrawn. During the 
