464 
AMERICAN VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
Of all the complications likely to follow the simple operation 
of neurotomy, this is, we believe, one which, so far as we can 
discover, has hitherto not yet been recorded. 
URETHRAL CALCULUS IN THE CAMEL. 
By the Same. 
The very peculiar structure of the penis of the camel, and 
the minute size of the urethra render the operation of urethrotomy 
an exceedingly difficult, and even in some cases an impossible 
performance. This fact is illustrated by the following case: 
A young camel, the property of the Central Park Menagerie, 
of this city, was found one afternoon suffering from difficulty of 
micturition. He seemed to be affected with slight colicky pains, 
and would, while standing, stretch his hind legs backward and 
apart, in making efforts to urinate, but without effecting any 
change in the position of the end of the penis from its ordinary 
position. The contractions of the accelerator urinse could be 
felt through the skin of the sheath, though the bladder was not, 
apparently, greatly distended, and there was no appearance of 
vesical calculus, as was ascertained by rectal examination. 
Tincture of opium was administered to relieve him from his 
colicky pains, and for a few days they seemed to be quite over¬ 
come, though he still occasionally assumed the position before 
described, but without passing any urine. 
Having already met with two similar cases, and having failed 
of success in an attempt to introduce a catheter of the smallest 
size, but little hope of relief could be expected unless the urethral 
canal could be opened. 
The animal continuing in the same condition for several days, 
it was decided to attempt the operation of urethotomy, in the 
standing position, if possible, or by the exploration of the 
urethra in keeping the animal down. 
The operation having become imperative, he was brought to 
the hospital of the college and subjected to the knife. After 
injecting twenty drops of a solution of cocaine in the perineum, 
over the tract of the urethra, an incision was made on the median 
