Chronic inflammation of the bladder may follow the acute, and may be a consequence of irritation from calculi, from repeated excesses, and exposure to colds. Luxuriously treated house pets and old dogs are more prone to the disease.

Any impediment to the flow of urine, owing to stricture of the external passage from enlarged prostate or other causes, may give rise to obstinate cystitis. In the same manner in paralysis the disorder may be developed.

Symptoms

The affection in the majority of cases comes on slowly. The increased frequency in passing the urine soon becomes noticeable, the quantity voided being small but nearly normal in appearance. As the disease progresses the symptoms increase in severity, the efforts to pass the water are frequent, attended with pain, and but a few drops are expelled at each attempt.

The urine now changes in its appearance; at first it is cloudy, then a mixture of mucus and pus is added, frequently tinged with blood. As the disease advances the quantity of mucus becomes great, the urine voided assumes a brownish hue, and a very offensive odor.

The movements of the animal are stiff and the gait described by some as "straddling".

The digestive organs suffer materially in chronic cystitis, strength diminishes, emaciation is progressive and the animal slowly wears away.

Under proper treatment improvement might possibly result, the symptoms gradually growing less severe, the strength returning, the urine -becoming clearer and retained a longer period. Relapses will however more than likely be experienced, the mucous membrane of the bladder ulcerating, disease of the kidneys ensue and death follow.

Treatment

As in all other morbid conditions the cause should first be removed if possible. Paralysis calls for especial treatment elsewhere advised. If calculi or other incurable conditions exist, the treatment should be directed to the palliation of symptoms.

Pain is to be overcome by the same means as recommended in acute cystitis. The diet should be largely milk and lime water, equal parts; the latter deserves especial mention as a curative agent.

The preparations of iron advised by some authors, evidently under the impression they act as astringents on the mucous membrane of the bladder, are not indicated for that purpose in chronic cystitis, for they are not absorbed as astringents, neither do they come in contact with the interior of the bladder.

One of the most active agents to be depended upon is tannin, which is thrown off by the kidneys and reaches the bladder. It may at first be given in two grain doses and gradually increased to five grains three times daily.

When the strength fails and a tonic is indicated, two grains of quinine or some form of cinchonu three times a day, is advised for the peculiar and beneficial influence on the mucous membrane of the kidney and bladder. If milk seems insufficient to sustain the animal a more nourishing diet maybe allowed, but it must be unstimulating.