384 CHAPTER 55. 



muscles, or in other cases by the presence of calciireous matters in the 

 kidneys. 



Occasionally Nephritis occurs as a sequel to bronchitis, pneumonia, in- 

 fluenza, or laminitis — probably owin<^ to the secretions of the body, which 

 had been arrested durinj^ the acute attack, being aftenvards discharged in 

 over-large quantities through the kidneys. It is also found as a sequel 

 of rheumatic affections. Sometimes it is induced by the absorption of 

 the active principle of cantharides from a surface, to which that substance 

 has been applied. Inflammation of the bladder may also extend along the 

 ureters to the kidnevs. 



787. Symploms. 



The horse is feverish, restless, and uneasy, and pers}iires freely. He 

 often lies down cautiously and rises up again, as if suftering from colic ; 

 but the abdomen, instead of being hard and distended as in that disease, 

 is tucked up. He moves with, caution and experiences temporary relief 

 from lying down, but is not relieved by hand-rubbing. Owing to the 

 pressure of the psoas muscles on the inflamed kidneys he is unwilling to 

 move— he stands with his hind legs wide apart, crouches and straddles 

 in his gait, and groans if turned sharply round. Tenderness and wincing 

 are evinced on the application of pressure to the loins. At frequent 

 intervals he sti'etches himself cautiously as if about to stale, but passes no 

 ui-ine, or only a small quantity, highly coloured and often tinged with 

 blood. In verj'- acute attacks, the horse will sit on his haunches, groan, 

 and look round to his flanks. The bow'els are usually constipated, and 

 the pulse is accelerated and soon becomes very quick and weak. 



Inflammation of the kidneys is distinguished from a similar affection 

 of the bladder by the secretion being very small and emitted with much 

 groaning and eft'ort, whilst in the latter disease the urine is secreted 

 freely and ejected almost as soon as secreted. In both diseases the 

 bladder is eni])ty. 



It may also be distinguished by examination of the bladder by the 

 hand through the anus. If the disease is confined to the kidneys, the 

 bladder, when it can be felt (but it is not easy to find it, inasmuch as it 

 is empty) will not feel warmer or more tender than usual ; but if the 

 bladder is the seat of inflammation, it will be veiy hot and tender. The 

 kidneys themselves may be felt ; and il inflamed, they arc hot and painful. 



AVhen the inflammation is caused by the presence of calcareous sub- 

 stances in the kidneys, a veiy marked symjttom is afforded by the penis 

 hanging pendulous and a constant dripping of urine, often tinged with 

 blood. If the patient be a stallion, the testicles are retracted. The thigh 

 on the side of the inflamed kidney, if only one be affected, is generally be- 

 numbed. If the disease is not relieved, the strength fails rapidly, and 

 from retention of the constituents of urine in the system the skin often 

 acquires a urinous smell. The retention of these matters in the bloo<l 

 exerts a poisonous influence on the system, and often ^n-oduces coma and 

 l»araly8is. 



