Sterility or impotence often occurs in bitches. Some cases are curable, but there are many which cannot be cured, for the simple reason that one cannot find out the cause, and all one can say is, the bitch is barren. The curable cases are those that are due to stricture of the vagina, a not uncommon occurrence, then tumours, as polypi or other growths in the vagina; a description of the treatment of these diseases will be found in another part of the book. In some cases a bitch may miss breeding through the discharge in the vagina being of a too acid nature. This can be remedied by syringing the passage well out with a warm solution of bicarbonate of soda, about one hour before service. The injection should be made by dissolving one teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in half a pint of water. Then there are congenital deformities of the pelvis and vagina, occasionally met with in the bitch, which prevent successful coition, and the parts may become deformed as the result of accident, as being run over across the lower part of the back. Again, an attack of metritis or inflammation of the womb, the result of a chill during the period of heat or from other causes, generally causes the bitch to be barren afterwards, and certain diseases of the ovaries also cause sterility. A bitch who is very fat or in any way out of condition, the result of illness, or from insufficient and proper exercise, or too hard exercise, will seldom breed. The proper treatment of these cases is indicated by the cause. =Incontinence of Urine=: _Symptoms_: The involuntary passing of water. In puppies it is generally the result of nervousness, and passes off in time. The condition is generally present in most cases of paralysis, the bladder, after being over-distended, simply overflows as it were. It is also a symptom of stone in the bladder, especially in the bitch. _Treatment_: If in cases of general paralysis the bladder is kept empty either by pressure to both sides of the abdomen, just over the seat of the bladder, or by the passing of a catheter, the condition of incontinence is prevented. The former method is the best, as the frequent passing of the catheter sets up great irritation in the dog, and often does harm. The bladder should be relieved at least three times a day. When the result of general paralysis of the hind parts, improvement is not to be expected until strength returns in the legs; but when the incontinence is caused by simply over-distention, as, for instance, through keeping a dog very clean in its habits shut up a long time, then after emptying the bladder a course of Nux vomica is often necessary to assist the bladder to regain tone. Give from one[1] to five drops of the tincture in water three times a day after food; also a free dose of purgative medicine, oil being the best, and keep on a light diet, avoiding meat and soups for a few days. =Indigestion=: