80 1 THE ARMY HORSE. 



AZOTURIA. 



Azoturia is the result of the confinement of a strong, vigorous 

 horse for several days in a badly ventilated, damp stable, where 

 he receives full rations and no exercise, followed by sudden 

 exposure to a lower temperature. It is not a disease of the 

 kidneys, as is commonly supposed. 



Symptams. — These consist of troubles of locomotion (move- 

 ment) which appear during exercise and generallj^ within a 

 quarter to half an hour after starting. 



The disease begins very suddenly, in an unusual degree of 

 restlessness with profuse perspiration; these symptoms are 

 speedily succeeded by a desire to lie down, by great sluggish- 

 ness, by loss of moving power in the hind limbs, and by violent 

 spasms of the large muscles of the loins, thighs, and hind 

 quarters. The alfected muscles are swollen and very hard, and 

 later may atrophy, especially those located above the stifle. If 

 the animal is down, he makes an effort to stand, but, from the 

 total loss of power in the hind limbs, is unable to rise. 



The fore limbs and shoulder muscles may be similarly 

 affected, but in this case the disease is less severe. 



The pulse usually becomes rapid; the temperature rarely 

 increases, even in the grave form; the appetite is seldom 

 diminished, and, as a rule, the animal will drink large quanti- 

 ties of water. 



The urine is co fee-colored and is generally retained in the 

 bladder. 



Treatment. — As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, halt 

 at once. Keep the animal on his feet; unsaddle or unharness 

 and blanket promptly; then move him as gently as possible 

 to the nearest shelter, where he must have complete rest. If 

 possible, heat some common salt or some oats; place in a sack 

 and spread over the loins (under the blanket), to relieve the 

 pain. Feed only good hay or laxative food and avoid oats and 

 corn. Encourage the horse to drink as much water as possible, 

 as this will assist the kidneys in carrying the poisonous material 

 out of the blood. When the urine clears, the animal may be 

 gradually returned to work. 



If it has been possible to reach the stables, place the horse 

 in a roomy stall ; if there is then danger of his lying down, use 

 the suspending slings, provided he is able to partially support 

 his weight on his hind legs ; then give 2 ounces of sweet spirits 



