386 CHAPTER 55. 



If the disease terminates in suppuration, it will be indicated by pus 

 being mingled with the urine, which will continue for some time during 

 the period of convalescence. 



In fatal cases, the kidneys, if the disease has been of any standing, will 

 be found to be very much enlarged and softened ; and in some cases 

 disorganisation of the structure may have taken place. 



789. Irritation of the Bladder and its causes. 



Irritation of the Bladder may arise from excessive doses of diuretic 

 medicine, from absorption of cantharides too freely applied for blistering 

 purposes, from sympathy with inflammation of the kidneys, from over- 

 long retention of urine, from calculi, from strain of the psoa3 muscles 

 affecting the kidneys and the bladder by sympathy, from a sudden check 

 to the cutaneous perspiration by exposure to cold when the animal is hot, 

 or from bad or irritating food. 



If the case is of a persistent nature, the state of the bladder should be 

 examined through the anus, to ascertain if there be a calculus in it. 



790. Symptoms. 



Irritation of the Bladder is indicated by restlessness, frequent strain- 

 ing, protruded penis, and by the passing at short intervals of small 

 quantities of urine. If the symptoms are more grave than the above, it 

 is probable that the disease has passed from the stage of irritation into 

 that of inflammation of the organ. The bladder on examination through 

 the anus will be found either shrivelled up and empty, or hot and tender. 



791. Treatment. 



The cause in the particular instance must be sought for, and if possible, 

 removed. 



To relieve the symptoms, many of which depend on the acidity and 

 scantiness of the urine, the patient should be encouraged to drink plenty 

 of water and mucilaginous fluids, in which may be given half an ounce of 

 bicarbonate of soda and potash. The food should consist of mashes and 

 hay with but very little corn. Grass, carrots, and lucern are very 

 beneficial ; but clover and other plants of the trifolium variety are for 

 reasons already given objectionable. 



Rest is indispensable. Some laxative medicine, such as a pint of linseed 

 oil, is useful in unloading the bowels. Warm rugs should be placed over 

 the loins, and clysters may be freely thrown up. The warm water will 

 exercise a soothing influence on the irritated membrane. The effect, if 

 need be, may be increased by adding to each clyster an ounce of laudanum 

 or a drachm of extract of belladonna, and to insure its being retained the 

 clyster should not exceed two pints. If the animal is debilitated, and 

 especially if the irritation appears to proceed from weakness of the 

 bladder, vegetable tonics may be given with benefit. 



