Diseases of the Urinary Organs
Disease of the Kidneys—Stone in the Bladder—Inflammation of the Bladder—Stricture of the Urethra
DISEASE OF THE KIDNEYS
One or both of the kidneys may be the seat of acute or of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the kidneys is not uncommonly the result of stone, or gravel, accumulating within what is called the "pelvis" of the kidney.
Under these circumstances, the dog suffers great discomfiture in passing his water, the latter being ejected in very small quantities, and it is generally stained with blood.
In some instances a single stone will occupy the whole of the pelvis of the kidney, destroying its functions, whereas in other cases the particles of stone are small, or even gritty, rendering them extremely liable to wander into other portions of the urinary tract.
Abscess of the kidney is induced by the presence of injecting material gaining admission.
Severe pain during urination, bloody-coloured urine passed in drops, loss of condition and tenderness across the loins, are some of the more prominent signs of this malady. If there is the least suspicion as to the presence of this complaint, consult a M.R.C.V.S.
In the meantime, if the animal is in pain, give 30 drops of laudanum, in a little water, or, as a substitute, 20 drops of chlorodyne. Avoid giving the dog much liquid, but easily-digested solid food, such as rice, boiled chicken, etc.
STONE IN THE BLADDER
The dog is not uncommonly a sufferer from stone in the bladder, the writer having seen the whole cavity practically obliterated by the presence of one or more calculi.
Considerable numbers have been removed by operation.
When there are a number of calculi in the bladder, the rubbing of one against another causes the faces of them to become very smooth.
Calculi vary in size, hardness, weight, shape, and position; likewise are more frequent in dogs than bitches.
The chief indications of stone in the bladder are the passage of small quantities of urine at very frequent intervals, often bloodstained.
For the relief of this condition, surgical aid is necessary.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER
This arises through chemical, mechanical, and specific causes.
To the first class belong certain drugs; to the second, stone; whilst the third class includes the germs of distemper, blood-poisoning, etc., and the extension of inflammation from adjacent parts.
It may also occur as the sequel to an operation for stone in this organ.
The urine is passed in drops, and the dog is in considerable pain, more so when the parts in this region are pressed. It is generally fatal.
STRICTURE
The urethra is a tube leading from the bladder to the exterior, serving for the passage of the urine.
Sometimes it is the seat of obstruction or stricture, i.e., a narrowing of it.
Congestion, spasmodic contraction, and organic changes are the principal causes.
The chief sign is the passage of urine in drops, together with pain.
Give a hot bath, 20-drop doses of chlorodyne in a little water, and consult a qualified veterinary surgeon.