This affection is shown by the constant efforts of the dog to urinate and inability to do so, the water coming away in dribbles. It may arise from stone in the bladder. A common cause is overdistension of the bladder caused by keeping dogs where they will not urinate. Some dogs will not do so when shut up in a room, or when on the chain; hence the necessity, too often neglected, of taking dogs off the benches at exhibitions at regular intervals. This compulsory retention of urine produces spasm of the neck of the bladder, and paralysis - loss of the necessary muscular power - follows. It may also be the result of injury to the spine, or of debilitating disease. The effect of continued hot fomentations should be tried, and if these 'fail, the urine should be drawn off by means of a catheter. Passing a catheter is a very simple matter. The dog should be placed upon his back, and the prepuce pressed back, so as to bring the penis into view; the catheter should then be dressed with a little olive oil or vaseline and passed gently into the opening at the point of the penis. This will introduce it into the bladder, when the piece of wire with which the instrument is provided should be withdrawn. Should the urine not flow freely, the dog can be stood upon its legs, keeping the catheter in position. If a catheter is not at hand, pressure with both hands through the abdominal walls in the region of the bladder, will empty it of its contents. If paralysis of the hind legs is present, an assistant should raise the body from the ground, by means of the tail, whilst the operator is pressing the sides.

During convalescence give barley-water to drink, and soft nourishing food - porridge and milk, broth and bread, etc.

The following on this subject, is valuable: This disease occurs sometimes from keeping dogs of very clean habits shut up, with no opportunity to relieve themselves. The bladder becomes overdistended, paralyzing the parts. It may also be the result of a general paralysis following an injury to the spine, the brain or some part of the nervous system. The dog at first is unable to pass water and later it dribbles from him. The first thing to do is to relieve the bladder. If there is no mechanical obstruction this can be done by pressure over the walls of the abdomen. If this fails, a catheter must be passed; in fact, it is the safest thing to do, for when an attempt is made to empty he bladder by applying force from the outside there is danger of rupturing the parts. The catheter for a small dog should be No. 00, for terriers No. 1, for setters and pointers No. 2. In the event of a small gravel lodging in the passage, it is usually removed by carefully passing a small grooved silver probe. To tone up the bladder, nux vomica is the mast useful drug. The dose is from one to seven drops of the tincture three times a day in a teaspoonful of water given 'after feeding.