than urethral. In cattle and hogs, fatty secretions from the inflamed
lining membrane of the sheath of the male may accumulate, and obstruct the
flow of urine from the anterior opening. The giving of feed rich in salts,
concentrated urine resulting from feeding of too dry a ration, insufficient
exercise and inflammation of the bladder are the direct causes of calculi.

Compression of the urethra by growths or tumors, strictures of the urethra,
distended bladder, spasm of the neck of the bladder in nervous animals,
paralysis of the bladder and injuries to the penis are common causes of
retention of the urine.

_The early symptoms in ruminants_ are not usually recognized until a day or
two after retention of the urine has occurred. The symptoms are then quite
marked. The animal acts dull, refuses to eat, rumination is stopped, and
there is a constant effort to urinate, as indicated by the raising of the
tail and rhythmical contractions of the urinary muscles just below the
anus. Urine may dribble from the sheath or the flow may be completely
suppressed. The odor of urine may be marked.

_Horses show symptoms_ of abdominal pain. The animal may move about the
stall, lie down and get up again, or make unsuccessful attempts to urinate.
On examination the bladder is found to be greatly distended with urine. In
the horse the retention is recognized at an earlier period than in
ruminants, because of the prompt, decided symptom of pain.

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.