196 PEACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



The pulse is usually hard, its tension is increased, this being 

 caused by the obstruction in the kidneys requiring the heart to exert 

 more force to overcome the obstruction. 



Thirst is prominent, irregular appetite and digestion, skin hot 

 and dry, unless dropsy is a complication. 



What can be done in these cases? 



If a diagnosis can be made, treat symptomatically, as the dis- 

 ease itself is incurable. 



Watch the bowels and skin, keeping them in the best possible 

 condition. 



Potassium iodide, iodide of iron, small doses of mercury bi- 

 chloride (the latter being supposed to prevent the formation of 

 new connective tissue) are among the drugs indicated. 



PYELITIS. 

 What is pyelitis? 



This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pelvis 

 and calices of the kidney. Pyonephrosis is pus in the pelvis of the 

 kidney. 



What are the causes? 



It is rarely a primary disease; it is usually secondary to me- 

 chanical irritation from calculi or the result of an extension of in- 

 flammation from some of the neighboring parts. 



How is the diagnosis made ? 



It may be made mostly by a microscopical examination of the 

 urine, by the presence of epithelium from the pelvis of the kidney, 

 together with blood-cells and mucus, and in the more advanced 

 stages possibly pus. 



What can be done for these cases? 



Rest for the animal, free access to drink, and a restricted diet. 



The drugs to be used are potassium nitrate, quinine, together 

 with internal antiseptics. 



Hot fomentations or blisters over the region of the kidneys 

 may be useful. 



Define perinephritis. 



This is an inflammation of the capsule and cellular tissue sur- 

 rounding the kidneys. 



