IXFLAMMATIOX OF THE BLADDER. 39 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 



This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, or inner 

 lining: of the bladder. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of inflammation of the bladder 

 are : Considerable fever, great anxiety of the countenance, con- 

 stant straining eflbrts to pass water, but very little being passed, 

 and that dribbling away. The horse straddles as he moves about, 

 as if fearing to bring his thighs together. The means of dis- 

 tiuQ-uishinii: inflammation of the bladder from inflammation of 

 the kidneys are : In inflammation of the kidneys there will be 

 tenderness over the kidneys on pressure, but not in inflamma- 

 tion of the bladder ; in inflammation of the bladder, if the hand 

 is passed into the rectum or last gut, the bladder can be felt 

 under it, and it will be swollen hard and very hot ; in inflam- 

 mation of the kidneys the bladder will be felt, but not generally 

 so full, and Avill not be hotter than natural, or than the other 

 parts about the hand. This is the best way of distinguishing 

 the two diseases. 



Causes. — This disease may arise, as other inflammatory dis- 

 eases, from exposure to cold, overheat, and sudden checking of 

 the perspiration, etc. It may be caused by irritating medicines 

 given the horse for other disorders, or stones in the bladder 

 may cause it. Disease of other parts near the bladder may 

 cause the bladder to become inflamed. 



Treatment. — If the treatment is not such as to give relief very 

 soon, a fatal termination will be the result. There is no time 

 for trifling. The same amount of blood should be taken as in 

 inflammation of the kidneys ; also, the same cathartic given. 



For the purpose of lessening the action of the heart and ar- 

 teries, and relaxing the neck of the bladder, give the following : 



Take — Powdered lobelia herb 1 ounce. 



Powdered blood-root 1 ounce. 



Mix, and divide in eight equal parts. One part to be given every three hours 

 in a pint of warm water, as a drench. 



