The Excretions 115 



position as well. The excretions are an excellent in- 

 dex to the general condition of the bowels, kidneys and 

 skin. During fevers the urine is scanty and highly 

 colored. In azoturia, in horses, it varies in color from 

 light brown to a dark coffee color, or almost black. 

 In Texas or southern cattle fever, the urine of the 

 affected animal is red in color. In mares, and some- 

 times in geldings, the urine is often thick and of a light 

 yellow appearance in early summer. This condition 

 is due to the large amounts of salts and mucus in the 

 urine, and it is not a serious symptom. Some horses 

 sweat profusely from slight exertion. In many in- 

 stances this is due to an unusually heavy coat of hair. 

 If this is true the coat should be clipped. In some 

 cases of profuse sweating the kidneys are to blame. 

 They may be stimulated to greater activity by small 

 doses of saltpeter, a heaping teaspoonful twice daily, 

 given for a few days. This will often overcome the 

 trouble by relieving the skin of excessive labor as an 

 excretory organ. 



GENERAL APPEARANCE 



Sick animals usually assume the position that will 

 give most relief, or lessening of the pain, to a diseased 

 or injured part. Therefore, a person attempting to 

 determine its condition should approach the animal 

 very quietly, and, before disturbing it, should care- 

 fully note its general appearance and posture. This is 

 an important aid in determining the seat of the trouble. 

 In taking the pulse, temperature and respiration, the 



