12 
DISEASED BLADDER OF THE HORSE. 
fessor Varnell, whose remarks and deductions are exceedingly 
interesting and practical. 
A similar case occurring in my practice in August of 
the following year, I brought to my aid the very valuable 
suggestions of Professor Varnell, and employed all other 
means that could be devised, but, as the result proved, all in 
vain. Notwithstanding I did not succeed in saving the 
animal's life, I think it a case that is deserving of being re¬ 
corded, as the practical facts connected with it, and the 
experience derived from it, are useful and full of interest to 
the veterinary practitioner. 
Its history is as follows:—The patient was a very fine 
young cart-horse, five years old, apparently in good health, 
and also in good condition. He urinated naturally up to 
the time of the attack. The first and only symptom observ¬ 
able was a frequent involuntary voiding of his urine, and 
especially was this the case when he was down. There was 
no straddling gait, nor had he exhibited any abdominal pains. 
My attention was first called to him on August 4th, 1861. 
This inability to retain, and entire loss of voluntary power to 
void his urine, had only been observed one or two clays pre¬ 
vious. There was an absence of all inflammatory or feverish 
symptoms, and upon examination per rectum, no calculus 
could be felt; and as the horse had been working very freely, 
and backing heavy loads, it was concluded that he might 
possibly have sprained some internal structure, or possibly an 
over-distension of the bladder from too long retained urine 
had caused a temporary loss of contractile power in that 
organ. I bled him, and administered a mild cathartic, with 
strict injunctions as to rest and being kept quiet. Occa¬ 
sional enemas were also thrown up, and hot rugs constantly 
applied over his loins. The aloes having operated, the hot 
rugs were continued for several days, but no perceptible im¬ 
provement took place. The animal did not even once make 
the slightest attempt or in the faintest degree show a desire 
voluntarily to void his urine. I administered various diuretic 
and lithontriptic medicines ; also gave calomel, cantharides, 
as well as hydrochloric acid in a draught. This treatment 
went on for days and weeks, but I could not rouse the 
bladder to contract upon its contents. The urine I removed 
by means of the catheter two and sometimes three times 
within the twenty-four hours; then at times I left it for 
several days, and allowed the bladder to become full, to 
see if, when it became distended, the animal would make 
an attempt to empty it; but all was of no avail. The 
bladder seemed as if in a paralysed state, and its function of 
