726 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 



rendering in particular the malpighian structures nearly indis- 

 tinguishable. This condition of fibrosis, however occurring, 

 whether from a special development of fibrous tissue, or from 

 degeneration of the tubes themselves and changes in the cell- 

 elements, affects both the vascular and urine-conduits, and 

 seems merely part of a general predisposition, not an accidental 

 local change, seeing that when observed here it may usually 

 be noticed elsewhere in distant and different organs. 



' Symptoms. — The indications of these disordered renal acti- 

 vities and tissue-changes, which in reality ought not in the first- 

 noted form to be regarded as a disease of the kidneys, but 

 rather as a renal manifestation of a general disturbance or 

 haemal vitiation, are accession or renewal of the previously 

 existing fever ; an elevation of temperature ; an impairment of 

 appetite, which had lately been somewhat improved ; disturbed 

 cardiac and pulmonary action; and a dry, harsh condition 

 of the skin. The urine, which shortly antecedently had been 

 voided in good amount, is now restricted, while pain may be 

 shown when urinating; the secretion itself is increased in 

 density, heightened in colour, and on examination discloses 

 epithelial tube-casts, the existence of albumen and maybe blood. 



There is in this form of renal disease little or no exhibition 

 of local pain, either on manipulating the loins or in causing 

 movement to be executed. 



In the more chronic manifestations, when brought under 

 our observation, we have, Avith failing health and strength, 

 impaired appetite, cedematous limbs, an intermittent or con- 

 tinuous appearance of albumen in the urine — rarely blood — 

 and disturbed pulmonary and cardiac function. 



Treatment. — The milder forms of congestion and inflamma- 

 tion of the tubular structure of the kidney resultmg from 

 blood-contaminaticn are, with moderate care, disposed to 

 return in a short time to the previously existing condition of 

 the parts ; when protracted, further and more permanent 

 changes are liable to ensue. The horse must be comfort- 

 ably housed, the action of the skin solicitated by wami 

 clothing and the exhibition of saline febrifuges, as solution of 

 acetate of ammonia with a moderate quantity of spirits of 

 nitric aether and camphor twice daily. In some the use of 

 woollen rugs or blankets wrung from warm water and wrapped 



