Diagnosis. A thorough examination will invariably allow of urinary fistulæ being distinguished from other diseases of the umbilicus, the escape of urine at this point being so suggestive.
Prognosis. The prognosis is rather grave, on account of the complications, which are possible, and, in fact, usual, unless the disease is promptly diagnosed.
Treatment. Formerly as a preventive measure a ligature was applied to the whole mass of the cord at birth, but this ligature in no way prevents the canal of the urachus persisting after the atrophied portion separates. Cauterisation of the urinary fistula with Rabel’s fluid or tincture of iodine can have no good result, unless the urethra is permeable.
If the urethra is obstructed it is evidently from that side that treatment should be attempted, either by displacing the mucoalbuminous plugs with a catheter or in some other way. Such intervention is very delicate and difficult in the case of young animals. Sometimes it is better to allow the discharge of urine from the umbilicus to continue, and to recommend that the animal should be rapidly fattened for the butcher.
In practice, pervious urachus may be treated by suturing, by firing across the fistula, and sometimes by blistering. The first step in all cases is to see that the urethral passage is free. English veterinary surgeons claim to have had a fair measure of success from these methods.
If a radical cure were thought desirable, the abdomen would have to be opened, and the operator would proceed to isolate the urachus, resect it, and suture the base of the bladder by bringing together its external surfaces. The operation, though not perhaps impossible, is of no practical value.
CHAPTER II.
DISEASES OF THE BLADDER.
ACUTE CYSTITIS.
Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, may be divided into two varieties: simple (acute or chronic) cystitis, and chronic cystitis due to the presence of calculi.
Simple acute cystitis occurs most commonly in the cow, less frequently in the ox, and rarely in the pig or sheep. Female animals are more subject to it than males.