Retention of Urine in a New-Born

I was called on to see a newly-born female child on 29th June, 1942, who did not pass urine since her birth on the 24th. On examination the vulva was found much congested; thick muco-purulent discharge could be noticed escaping from the external urethral orifice; and the parts round about the external urethral orifice appeared to be sloughing. Enquiry did not show the mother as suffering from any venereal disease, nor did the father admit of ever having had it. The discharge was not examined microscopically for want of facilities. However, it was believed that the infection had crept up due to the unclean handling by the untrained rustic dai, or it might have been contracted on account of the extremely unhygienic and insanitary conditions. The baby was extremely restless, crying continuously.