Retention of the urine commonly terminates in rupture of the bladder in ruminants. When this occurs, the symptoms of pain are less evident. Death occurs from uraemic poisoning and peritonitis. The outcome is less favorable in ruminants than in solipeds. _Inflammation of the sheath_ can be readily recognized because of the local swelling. _The following lines of treatment_ are recommended: A ration or feed that favors the formation of calculi should not be fed to animals; inflammation of the sheath should receive prompt treatment--this consists in irrigating the part with warm, soapy or alkaline water, followed by an antiseptic wash; we may attempt to work the urethral calculi forward and out of the S-curve in the urethra; if this is unsuccessful, urethrotomy for their removal may be attempted. The retention of the urine in horses, because of spasm or paralysis of certain muscles, may be treated by passing the catheter. Sometimes spreading litter under the horse and keeping it quiet may induce it to urinate. Hot packs over the region of the back may be used. The treatment for calculi is entirely surgical. The operation for the removal of cystic calculi in the horse, although difficult, is followed by good results. QUESTIONS 1. Describe the urinary apparatus. 2. Give the composition of the urine and quantity secreted in the different animals. 3. State method of determining quantity and composition of urine secreted by different domestic animals. 4. Give the causes and treatment of excessive urination. 5. Give the causes and treatment of congestion and inflammation of the kidneys. 6. Give the causes of cystitis; symptoms; treatment. 7. Give the causes and treatment of retention of the urine. CHAPTER VII DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS GENERAL DISCUSSION.--The study of the organs concerned with the reproduction of the species is essential in order to acquire a knowledge of their several functions. It is only through an understanding of these functions that we can prepare ourselves to correctly recognize, and successfully treat, or prevent, such diseases as may involve the organs of generation. A knowledge of the structure and function of the generative organs of the female is of greater importance from the standpoint of disease, than is a similar knowledge of the generative organs of the male. The female is concerned with the complete reproductive process, which may be divided into four stages. These are _copulation_, _fecundation_, _gestation_ and _parturition_. The male is concerned only with _copulation_ and _fertilization_ of the ovum by the spermatozoa, while the female must protect and nourish the embryo and foetus until it has become sufficiently developed to live independently of the protection and nourishment afforded it within the womb. When the final stage of gestation is reached, birth or the act of parturition occurs.