THE ARMY HORSE, 73 



etc. Inflamiiiatioii and partial or total clogging of the organ 

 result. Cantharides will reach the kidneys after absorption 

 from a large blistered surface. 



Sijmjjtoms. — The most important and often the only mani- 

 festations of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for 

 instance) are furnished by tlu> urine. Its quantity is dimin- 

 ished; it is thickened; of abnormal color; occasionally it is the 

 color of blood. Micturation (pissing) is painful; the urine 

 often runs off drop by drop only, notwithstanding the violent 

 efforts made by the patient. In serious cases the urinary secre- 

 tion may be completely suppressed. 



The lumbar region is very sensitive to the pressure of the 

 hand. At the beginning of the disease we often have renal or 

 kidney colics. The back is arched, the gait stiff and stagger- 

 ing, rising is painful; the animal remains ahnost constantly 

 standing. The appetite may be lost. The temperature is ele- 

 vated; in some cases it may range very high. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible; avoid all irrita- 

 ting food or medicines, and give absolute rest. Try to induce 

 sweating by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the whole 

 body; also by warm blankets, and wet, tepid compresses ap- 

 plied upon the loins. Give the following physic: Aloes G 

 drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 dram. Make into a ball and 

 irive at one dose. It has a most favorable action, because the 

 purging draws a large quantity of water from the system. 



If there is a total suppression of urine, ^ ounce of fluid 

 extract digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over 

 the kidneys, wnll have a beneficial effect by stimulating the 

 kidneys w^ithout causing irritation. This application should 

 not be used more than once. 



DIABETES INSIPIDUS SIMPLE DIABETES ( PISSING ). 



A disease characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, 

 and great languor and emaciation. 



In the majority of cases it is caused by poor and tainted food. 

 In some cases it seems to be due to a constitutional cause. 



Symptoms. — Excessive urination, from (> to 1:2 gallons every 

 twenty-four hours; great thirst, the animal sometimes drink- 

 ing from '20 to 25 gallons of water in twenty-four hours; de- 

 praved appetite; urine of a very pale color, sometimes as clear 

 as water; the skin is harsh and the coat is unhealthy looking. 



