16 
THE CATHETER PASSABLE li\ DOGS. 
deposit or false membrane over the external surface of the two 
turbinated bones*. 
The sieve-like cavities of these bones, although dilated, were 
empty, and perfectly free from pus. 
Upon careful measurement of the bony compartments of the two 
nasal fossae, healthy and diseased, as to the area for the passage of 
atmospheric air, the unsound side was permanently obstructed by 
a diminution of more than a third of its caliber throughout this 
important air-passage. 
This horse was not troubled with a constant cough, yet when 
made to cough it was sonorous, characteristic of a “ roarer.” 
The dissected head I have preserved. 
THE CATHETER PASSABLE IN DOGS. 
By Edward Mayhew, M.R.C.V.S. 
While the diseases of the horse have been diligently investi¬ 
gated, and vast improvements have been made in the means em¬ 
ployed for their relief, the dog has by veterinarians been generally 
neglected. The commonest practices of surgery have not been 
applied to that animal; but with regard to it, the assertions of indi¬ 
viduals have been accepted as indications of the true limits of 
possibility. Thus, when a pupil, I was taught that no ingenuity 
could pass the catheter up the canine urethra. The meatus could 
be entered, but I was informed that the bone of the penis presented 
an obstacle such as could not be overcome. As to introducing the 
instrument into the bladder of the bitch, the idea of doing such a 
thing w r as never even hinted at, because, I must suppose, the ap¬ 
pointed lecturer at the school I attended esteemed such a proceeding 
to be one of those delicate difficulties which wise men abstain 
from openly alluding to. 
I had not been many months engaged in practice before I had 
reason to wish that the expedients employed to relieve our other 
patients were applicable to dogs, of which animals many were 
brought to me for treatment. These creatures suffer acutely from 
the retention of urine. During parturition, in the typhoid stage of 
distemper, and in paralysis, as well as in several other diseases 
accompanied with excessive prostration of the vital powers, the 
detention of the bladder often seriously aggravates the symptoms, 
and sometimes is the immediate cause of death. Aware of this 
circumstance, I dissected the parts, and found that in their con¬ 
struction they presented nothing which gave force to the prevalent 
* A hint to the comparative pathologist: — I feel assured that analogous 
cases could be found in the post-mortem examinations of human beings, if 
diligently sought after. I have seen and conversed with many a lad who has 
been a high-bloicer , but otherwise in the enjoyment of perfect health. 
