URETHRAL CALCULUS. 
70 7 
healthy. Upon a further examination I observed that the 
insides of the thighs were covered with a sabulous-looking 
matter, which the owner said was always there in the morning 
in spite of his cleaning it off over-night. Suspecting that 
there was something wrong in the bladder, I at once exa¬ 
mined him per rectum, and found, on passing my hand 
along the gut, an enlargement of the urethra, to the size 
of a duck’s egg, occupying the floor of the pelvis, at its 
anterior part. I at once came to the conclusion that it was a 
calculus, and told the owner so, adding that it must be 
removed by an operation. The following day being our fair, 
he was very anxious to part with him, rather than run any 
risk, as he could not afford to lose the animal. He was not, 
however, successful in selling him, and therefore was contented 
to place him under my care, and sent him to my infirmary 
stables. 
Being full at the time, I sent the pony back, and gave 
Acid. Hydrochloric. 5ij, morning and night, until July 1st, 
when he again came to my infirmary. Deeming it desirable 
to make some preparation, I gave an aloetic purge and kept 
him on low diet till July 7th, when I cast him, with the 
collar rope used in castration. Being assisted by my 
friend, E. Reeve, M.D., a whalebone staff w 7 as passed up 
the urethra, in the usual manner, and cut down upon in 
the perinaeum. We then endeavoured to pass the con¬ 
cretion into the bladder, as we were unable to get the least 
hold of it with the spoon-bill forceps, but in this we failed. 
I therefore passed my left hand up the rectum, and pressed 
the stone backwards towards the incision, when I could feel 
it with the finger of my right hand. Not being able even 
then to grasp it with the forceps, I passed my finger above it, 
and found it to be closely adhering to the mucous lining mem¬ 
brane of the urethra, which I was compelled to separate, 
superiorly and inferiorly, from the calculus. This was 
effected only with some difficulty, as it was so rough on its 
surface. After being so liberated, it still required great 
strength to extract it. By the use of the forceps we could 
move it a little, but unfortunately it broke, leaving no hold, 
therefore we had to complete the removal with the 
fingers. Undoubtedly it was rendered friable by the use of 
the acid. Having washed the parts with tepid water, we 
applied two sutures to the wound, and then allowed the 
animal to rise. Although he suffered a great deal during the 
operation, which lasted about half an hour, as soon as he was 
up he commenced feeding, and appeared to be little affected 
by it. 
