OBSTRUCTION OF THE UROGENITAL TRACT IN SOME RODENTS

In a large percentage of male Schneider mice taken from breeding stock at approximately 1 year of age, the bladder was observed to be grossly distended with urine. The condition was attributable to urethral obstruction by secretory material originating in the vesicular and coagulating glands. The affected animals recovered spontaneously in a period of days, and subsequently proved fertile. Restriction of mating activity while the glands are secreting freely is thought to be the cause of this condition, which did not occur in females and younger males of the same stock nor in other rodents examined.