H.E.MOC.LOHINURIA (aZOTURIa) IN THK HORSE. 263. 



comprises administration of purgatives and alkaline salts. Having 

 succeeded at the outset in producing one abundant evacuation, the 

 action of the bowel can be sustained by repeated doses of sulphate of 

 soda. The fact that the alkalinity of the blood is generally diminished, 

 as in infectious conditions, and in the various processes which lead to 

 destruction of the formed elements of the blood, suggests the use of 

 alkalies. Dickerhoff recommended bicarbonate of soda in daily doses of 

 six to sixteen ounces, divided into several parts and given in the drinking- 

 water ; this dose was afterwards diminished to three or four ounces. 

 The remedy is simple, cheap, and readily taken by patients, while it 

 undoubtedly has a favourable effect. By rendering the fluids alkaline 

 it increases their bactericidal and antitoxic powers, and by restoring to 

 them what the infection had removed, it assists elimination of toxins, 

 and fortifies the red blood-corpuscles.* 



Stimulants are now almost abandoned, their action having been 

 found to be highly injurious. Alteratives have no value. 



When the animal remains recumbent for long periods it must not 

 only be repeatedly turned over, but the rectum and bladder must be 

 emptied. Needless to say, in passing the catheter full antiseptic pre- 

 cautions must be taken to avoid infecting the bladder. 



During convalescence alkalies should still be continued even after 

 the administration of tonics has been commenced. 



Bedsores are treated with antiseptic lotions containing sublimate, 

 carbolic acid, or iodine, and with applications of boric ointment. 



Soon after convalescence is established the animals may return to 

 light work, being guarded, however, against chills which might lead to 

 relapse, and be very gradually brought into their usual work. 



The muscular lesions seen after attacks of haemoglobinuria seldom 

 prove permanent. The affected muscles sometimes recover their 

 normal size and strength under the influence of work. Should atrophy 

 become more marked, however, the parts may be fired, or irritant solu- 

 tions like those of veratrine or chloride of sodium injected over the 

 affected region. The faradic current is worthy of trial. 



The painful and obstinate lameness which follows paralysis of the 

 triceps cruraHs, and forms the commonest complication, may necessi- 

 tate firing of the parts and continued exercise. By persevering in this 

 way the muscle usually regains its power and the lameness disappears. 



* M. Masoin found that alkaline salts exercise a prophylactic action against intoxications 

 caused by substances which tend to destroy formed blood ehments, and produce formation 

 of methjemoglobin. At the same time they exercise a general antitoxic action. Their use 

 is therefore indicated, not only in the curative treatment of haemoglobinuria, but in its pro- 

 phylaxis in conjunction with other preventive measures, thevalue of which has been recog- 

 nised by observation. 



