CONCRETIONS OR CALCULI OF URINARY ORGANS.
—The collection of solid mineral matter in the urine may become lodged in the kidney, the ureter (duct leading from the kidney), the bladder or urethra (the duct leading from the bladder). All animals are more or less subject to these conditions, and yet are not so affected as they are sometimes thought to be. Many a case of so-called kidney colic is in reality an affection of the digestive system. The cause for these mineral accumulations perhaps varies under different conditions, yet the most common circumstance under which they occur is during the time when animals are fed exclusively or largely upon dry feed such as exists in the winter time where silage is not fed. Wheat bran has been attributed as one of the most sourceful means of bringing on this trouble. When it is fed with succulent feeds and an abundance of water allowed these disorders do not occur.
The symptoms do not differ a great deal from some forms of colic, due to stomach or intestinal disturbances, especially in the frequent attempts to empty the bladder. The animal usually shows more or less pain from the restless condition, looks around at the flank, dribbles his urine frequently, which is occasionally blood stained. There may be a complete obstruction of the passages, in which case no urine is voided.
RETENTION OF THE URINE
By means of a catheter the greater portion of the urine can be drawn off. The operation is shown in the picture.
Treatment varies
with the location of the trouble, in which little can be accomplished when the gravel or stone is located in front of the bladder. If within the bladder, not obstructing its outlet, it is not likely to make its presence known. Agents should be given, however, to overcome the pain and to relieve the frequently existing spasm at point of obstruction, as far as possible, which may allow passage of stone. Give 4 tablespoonfuls of laudanum or chloral to a dose and repeat in two or three hours if any pain or trouble is still indicated. In inducing the animal to drink liberal quantities of water the condition may be somewhat relieved by making the urine more watery in character and possibly dissolving a portion, allowing the remainder to pass along its course. When the obstruction occurs within the urethra the removal should be made by incising through the tissues on to or near the obstruction, removing by forceps and suturing up the wound. A skilled operator is required for this, hence the veterinarian should be called.