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COMPLICATIONS OF URETHROTOMY IN RUMINANTS. 
“ S ’’-formed curve. A flexible metallic sound is then passed into the 
uietlna, which has previously been laid open transversely close behind 
its fiee end. It is said to be thus possible to displace the sediment and 
effect an exit for the urine. 
Others recommend laying open the urethra at the ischial arch, a 
method which also admits of the removal of vesical concretions. 
Lilt liens opened the urethra of a ram at the “ S ” bend as is done in 
the ox; the animal, however, died from further formation of calculi. 
Complications of urethrotomy in herbivora— 
(1) Unless the bladder is ruptured before or during operation, an 
abundant discharge of urine follows removal of the calculus. Some¬ 
times, however, the detrusor urinse having been greatly over-extended 
and failing to contract, the bladder appears paralysed. In such cases, in 
oxen, the hand should be introduced into the rectum and attempts made 
to empty the bladder by exercising slow and steady pressure upon it. 
Meisel recommends moving the animals, but altogether considers the 
condition very grave. 
(2) A second unfavourable complication consists in the formation of 
stiictuie of the urethra at the point of operation, though this only occurs 
if the animal lives for a considerable time afterwards, which is seldom 
the case in oxen. Relapse being probable, the animal should be 
immediately piepared for slaughter. Such strictures are common in 
the lioise, and necessitate the re-performance of urethrotomy at a spot 
nea, iei the bladder. Briber suggests keeping a metal tube in the 
uietlna, but this is of no permanent service, the irritation produced 
causing fresh stenosis. 
(3) Abscesses which form at the point of operation are laid open and 
treated on general principles. 
Cystic calculi aie rare in ruminants, and are generally found quite 
accidentally after slaughter, not having caused any disturbance during 
life. The} seldom produce noticeable symptoms, as the average life of 
Oxen is too shoit to allow of their attaining any considerable proportions. 
But all the necessary conditions for their production exist, as is shown 
by the fiequent occurrence of urinary calculi. Hermann found in the 
bladdei and uiethra of a three months calf calculi of a collective weight 
of 5 drachms. 
The symptoms in the ox are similar to those in the horse. In operating, 
the same general principles are observed in both animals. 
(3.) URINARY CALCULI IN SWINE. 
In swine this disease is of less interest. Serious cases are best 
slaughtered. As in oxen, calculi and concretions are sometimes found 
