CHAPTER XI. 

 DISEASES OF THE UROGENITAL SYSTEM. 



Diseases of the Kidneys. 



424. Acute inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis). — A 

 rare disease of the horse. 



Causes. — Obstruction to the ureters; musty food; certain poisonous 

 plants; exposure to cold; the internal administration of large or con- 

 tinued doses of turpentine ; and the application of cantharides blisters 

 over large areas of the body. Most cases are secondary to infectious 

 diseases. 



Symptoms. — Fever; hard and frequent pulse, with complete or 

 partial suppression of urine, the latter being sometimes the color of 

 blood. The animal stands with arched back and legs spread apart; 

 it dislikes to move, and if forced to do so the hind legs are dragged; 

 there is great uneasiness; and pressure on the loins causes pain. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause and give absolute rest. Avoid 

 all irritating drugs, and provide a diet of grass, bran mashes, or other 

 easily digested foods. Corn, oats, and grain of all kinds must be 

 withheld. In case of marked decrease in the quantity of urine, 

 plenty of pure, fresh drinking water must be provided. Give lin- 

 seed oil 1^ pints, and apply blankets wrung out in hot water to the 

 loins. Keep the patient in a warm stall, rub the body vigorously, 

 blanket well and bandage the legs. Give potassium nitrate one- 

 half ounce twice daily in the drinking water. 



425. Diabetes insipidus (excessive urination). — A condition 

 -characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, marked debility 

 and rapid loss of flesh. 



Causes. — Moldy food, especially oats; certain poisonous plants, and 

 the long continued administration of diuretics, as turpentine and the 

 nitrate of potassium. 



Symptoms. — Frequent passages of large quantities of clear, water- 

 like urine, the total amounting to from 10 to 15 gallons in 24 hours; 

 great thirst, the animal drinking as much as 20 or 25 gallons of water 

 in a day. 



Treatment. — Remove the cause and give good, clean, and nutritious 

 food. If a change of diet is impossible, the forage at hand may be 



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