h.+:mo(;i.obinuria (azoturia) in the horse. 261 



column ; but the history and red coloration of the urine remove any 

 possible doubt. The atrophy of muscle afterwards seen in different 

 regions, most frequently in the triceps cruralis muscle, can always be 

 traced to hsemoglobinuria. The majority of other changes are of 

 similar origin. In their case also the history constitutes a valuable 

 indication. A few weeks ago you saw a case of atrophy of the extensor 

 muscles of the right forearm. The history enabled us to trace this 

 lesion to an attack of ha^moglobinuria which the animar underwent last 

 winter. 



The prognosis varies considerably according to the degree of acute- 

 ness of the disease, the localities it affects, and the constitution of the 

 patients. Statis'tics show the mortality to \'ary between 5 and 70 per 

 cent. Plethoric horses which eat large quantities of grain, and par- 

 ticularly of oats, are much more liable to die than animals accustomed 

 to moderate feeding. This seems to me to explain the marked gravity 

 of hsemoglobinuria in town horses, and the series of recoveries reported 

 by veterinary surgeons who practise in country districts. It is also 

 clear that certain authors have mistaken infectious forms of paraplegia 

 which are seen in all countries, and everywhere cause heavy mortality, 

 for haemoglobinuric paralysis. Benign character of the first symptoms, 

 slow development of the disease, preservation of the standing position, 

 normal or but slightly modified rhythm of the chief functions of the 

 body, and continuance of the evacuations, are signs justifying a favour- 

 able prognosis. On the other hand, sudden invasion, marked accelera- 

 tion of breathing, abundant sweating, high fever, paraplegia, and 

 cessation of the evacuations, leave little ground for hope. I should 

 add that in some cases the disease develops insidiously, and that though 

 at first benign it may at any moment be accompanied by paralysis. 

 For this reason a certain reserve should be exercised in speaking of 

 cases which even appear likely to recover. Prognosis is always un- 

 favourable in cases affected with paraplegia. When this persists beyond 

 the third day the issue is generally fatal. 



Prophylaxis is founded on our knowledge of the aetiology. Avoid, 

 as far as possible, leaving horses too long in the stable ; exercise them 

 for at least a few minutes night and morning on resting days ; always 

 proportion food to the work to be done ; reduce the rations during rest, 

 improve the animal's hygienic surroundings, paying especial attention 

 to securing uniform temperature, sudden changes in which may have 

 particularly injurious effects. 



I have said that the disease generally appears during work, and is 

 rapidly aggravated by attempts to draw a load even at a walking pace. 



