Diagnosis. The diagnosis involves no difficulty, provided the method of feeding is understood. In many cases the shepherds themselves perfectly recognise the cause of the symptoms.
Prognosis. The prognosis is very grave, it being impossible to pass the catheter on account of the perineal valve in the urethra, while it is difficult to operate, the urethra being very small and deeply embedded in a thick layer of fat.
Treatment. The only resource is massage along the urethra, which may sometimes break up the mass of sediment or move the obstructing calculus. One remark may, however, be made, viz., that in the majority of cases the urethra is obstructed at its extremity by local accumulations of sediment behind the spiral filiform prolongation of the penis.
It is then sufficient, and experienced shepherds have no hesitation in performing the operation, to remove the spiral filament, thus facilitating the expulsion of the sediment and affording relief. If both methods, viz., massage and section of the filament, fail, the animal should be slaughtered, so as to avoid rupture of the bladder, which would render the flesh useless as food.
From a preventive standpoint, all sheep which are richly fed should receive an allowance of some slightly alkaline drink.
PARALYSIS OF THE BLADDER.
Paralysis of the bladder is somewhat frequent in female, but very rare in male, animals. In the majority of cases it is the consequence of difficult parturition, or is a post-partum complication.
It is characterised by incontinence of urine or retention with overflow. The continuous discharge soils the hind quarters, hocks, shanks, pasterns, etc., and the urine decomposes and causes irritation; it soon sets up urinary eczema in all the parts with which it comes in contact, a condition which can only be successfully treated by removing the cause.
The prognosis is grave, for methods of treatment are few, and of doubtful efficacy.
Treatment. If the condition results from post-partum infection, this must naturally first receive attention. Should the infection have disappeared whilst incontinence of urine still continues, the administration of tonics, e.g., tincture of nux vomica in daily doses of ¾ to 1 drachm for ten days or so in the case of a bovine animal, and a stimulating application to the lumbo-sacral region, may bring about recovery.