530 
J. W. CORRIGAN. 
In some cases, especially in the ox, where the S-shaped 
curve of the urethra almost prohibits passing the catheter, the 
bladder may be punctured through the rectum to prevent its 
rupture and to remove its contents. 
In some cases where it is necessary to pass the catheter in 
the horse the point of the catheter may and does frequently 
enter the vesiculse seminales unless directed in the proper 
course along the urethra by the hand in the rectum. 
When it is neeessary to remove the contents of the bladder 
and the catheter is at home, by placing the hand, which is in 
the rectum, over the bladder to the fundus and exercising gen¬ 
tle pressure down and backward the urine can be gradually 
forced out of the animal. 
In diseases like tetauus, purpura, strangles, diseases of the 
throat, and in any condition where the animal cannot swallow, 
nourishment may be given by the rectum and will support the 
animal for a great length of time or until it is able to take 
nourishment in a normal manner. 
I know there are many things that I have not mentioned, 
but hope that I have drawn attention to this valuable, to us, 
part, and hope to have offered suggestions that may prove of as¬ 
sistance, and in closing I would like to impress upon my fellow- 
practitioners the advisability of being thoroughly familiar with 
the anatomy of the parts that can be examined by the aid of the 
rectum, and this can only be accomplished by making use of 
this very important channel as often as possible, and although 
it is a dirty job the dirt will wash off and the satisfaction and 
the benefit will more than counteract the work of cleaning up. 
I am sure that many cases will be treated more intelligently, 
for many cases result in the death of the animal that had they 
been examined per rectum, thus learning the true state of affairs, 
they might have been saved, and if not, at least a correct diag¬ 
nosis could have been made. 
NEXT to the veterinary college, the veterinary journal is the 
greatest professional educator. None should fail to read it reg¬ 
ularly. 
