INTOXICATIONS. 237 



If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, examine the urine, 

 which is generally dark in color, being of a brownish coffee color, 

 or, in some cases, an intense black. 



The pulse is full and quickened, the mucous membranes in- 

 jected, the temperature 102° to 103° F. (from excitement), and 

 the respirations are apt to be increased in number. 



How may it be diagnosed ? 



This is made by the history of the case, of the animal standing 

 in a few days and being well fed. 



It usually occurs in large truck horses. 



The knuckling over of the hind ankle, first one, and then both, 

 and the coffee-colored urine. 



Horse may be down, but remember the various other affections 

 in which the decubital position is a symptom. 



With what disease may azoturia be confounded ? 



It may be mistaken for spinal meningitis, colic, and fractures 

 principally. 



How may it be differentiated from spinal meningitis ? 



In azoturia there is a cramp or tonic spasm of the gluteal 

 muscles, while in spinal meningitis there is a loss of power of the 

 muscles. 



In azoturia there is an inability to bear weight; in spinal menin- 

 gitis weight can be sustained, but there is a lack of muscular power 

 to perform co-ordinate movement of the extremities. 



In azoturia there is a peculiar dropping of one extremity, with 

 knuckling at the fetlock, while in spinal meningitis there is a 

 dragging of the toe and swaying of the posterior portion of the 

 body. 



In azoturia the temperature varies, averaging about 103° to 

 103° F., while in spinal meningitis it is usually 101° or 101^° F. 



In azoturia the tail has not lost its power, while in spinal 

 meningitis the tail is limp (has no power). 



What is the differential diagnosis between azoturia and 

 colic ? 



In both cases the animal may be down, but in colic they are 

 able to get up and stand up, do not knuckle over at the fetlock, 

 and the urine is not coffee-colored, as in azoturia. 



