866 
DIAGNOSIS OF URETHRAL CALCULI IN RUMINANTS. 
The pelvic portion resembles that in other animals and has a width of 
tV ^° tV an inch, but in the abdominal portion the passage contracts to 
a inch, and at its orifice even to yy. In the neighbourhood of the scrotum it 
makes with the penis the so-called “ S ’’-formed turn. At the first bend near 
the front of the scrotum ( h ), the penis turns once more backwards, making 
about 3 inches behind and over the posterior surface of the scrotum a second 
bend (i) ; at the height of the latter the retractor penis (l), which is very 
strong in cattle, becomes attached. The sinuous course and slight diameter 
of the urethra explain why even small calculi or concretions, weighing only a 
few grains and not exceeding the size of a pea, may remain fixed in the 
urethra and obstruct it. The stone is usually lodged in the first bend (h), less 
frequently in the second or near the end of the organ. 
Fig. 168.—Course of the urethra in the ox. (After Herins.) 
Diagnosis. Uiethial calculus first attracts notice by the difficulty 
which exists in passing urine. The animal is fretful, stamps with the 
hind feet and moves to and fro, lifts the tail and makes frequent short 
side movements with the root of it; it lies down, but immediately rises 
again, and strikes with the hind feet towards the body. 
In oxen slight symptoms of colic should always arouse suspicion of 
uiinary calculus and lead to examination of the bladder and urethra. 
The bladder and sometimes the upper portions of the urethra are found 
excessively distended, and may show pulsative movements as the.animal 
strains whilst a few drops of urine are sometimes passed. Passing the 
fingei along the course of the urethra causes the animal to show pain 
and uneasiness at the spot where the stone lies, though the latter can 
seldom, be directly felt. Retention of urine for twelve to twenty-four 
hours may result in rupture of the bladder and death after a few days. 
Aftei luptuie the pain diminishes, the animals may even begin to feed 
