TRANSLATIONS FROM THE CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 103 
penis of the ox is narrower towards its extremity, which 
often leads to the stoppage of the calculi in their progress; 
and further it is important to remember when urethrotomy is 
to be resorted to, that the corpus cavernosum likewise 
prevents the dilatation of the urethral canal, and that the 
sigmoid flexure of the penis near the perinseum is surrounded 
by a large quantity of loose cellular tissue. 
The time of the year when animals are most subject to 
this affection is that in which they are fed on green food— 
more particularly on maize. 
The usual symptoms are slight colicky pains at intervals, 
which are, doubtless, produced by some of the small calculi 
causing temporary obstruction to the flow of the urine. 
That these are often expelled after some effort is proved by 
the circumstance that they are frequently found near to the 
end of the penis. 
The practical inference to be deduced from these facts is, 
the forming a correct diagnosis of the nature of the colic. 
But this is not easy. The examination of the urine from 
time to time will, however, be of great assistance, and 
if small calculi be found in it, the true nature of the affection 
becomes at once apparent. 
M. Serres has very little faith in chemical solvents; but 
recommends diuretics in order to expel the concretions. 
Supposing they are of small size, this plan is to be pre¬ 
ferred, but if not, an acceleration of the crisis is produced 
by it, and the operation of cutting into the urethra must be 
resorted to. Should the animal, however, be in full flesh, 
it is, perhaps, better that he should be sold to the butcher. 
When the operation is decided on, and the position of the 
calculus has been ascertained, if it be in the pelvis, an in¬ 
cision should be made in the ischial bend, and when carried 
into the urethra, a probe should be introduced so as to find 
the exact location of the stone. The question now is, whether 
it is better, after the example of Laroche-Lubin, to extract it 
or to push it into the bladder. It is more surgical to extract 
it, and this is easy when the stone is near the incision, but 
more difficult when it is further removed from it. Then it 
is necessary to use forceps of a peculiar shape, which are not 
always at hand. It is often not easy to seize the stone; 
and long-continued manipulations are not without inconve¬ 
nience, as the mucous membrane is not unfrequently in¬ 
jured by it, and inflammation of the bladder is the conse¬ 
quence. 
To return the calculus into the bladder is easy and very 
simple, and can be effected with promptitude, the mucous 
