DIURESIS. 



31 



belong to plasterers are most subject to the disorder, these 

 animals taking large quantities of water, especially in the 

 summer months, when thirst is greatest. Amongst sheep 

 the disorder has been seen as the result of noxious plants on 

 certain pastures. The disorder is said to be induced in the 

 dne species by Anemone nemorosa, and Pulsatilla, but 

 lore especially by Asclepias vincetoxicum. 



Symptoms. Intense thirst polydipsia and depraved 

 ippetite: Copious discharge of urine, distinguished from 

 Ithy urine by the following characters laid down by Pro- 

 >r Lassaigne. 1st, It is more watery; 2nd, It contains 

 acetic acid; 3rd, There are no earthy carbonates, yet 

 le essential character of true diabetes, the presence of sugar, 

 entirely wanting. The languor, stiff and hesitating gait, 

 lor of visible mucous membranes, dry and clammy mouth, 

 :ing coat, and tendency to lick the wall or eat up the litter 

 id filth, are very characteristic signs of the disorder. The 

 limals become rapidly emaciated, especially if kept at work 

 dthout intermission, and die from exhaustion and impaired 

 mtrition. 



The duration of disease varies from a week or ten days to 

 jveral weeks, or even months. The chronic form is not 

 ttended with the copious discharge of urine observed in 

 ite cases. 



Post-mortem appearances. These consist in pallor of the 

 ly, generally with a flabby bloodless state of the muscles, 

 the liver and kidneys. 



Treatment. The food the animals are having must be 

 langed, a dose of purgative medicine given to each, and the 

 liet restricted for some days to sound hay in moderate quan- 

 tity. This is not unfrequently sufficient to check the dis- 

 order. The intense thirst is greatly allayed by the adminis- 

 tration of one or two of the following balls : 



