146 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Treatment of these cases is not always satisfactory, as the cause is 

 liable to be maintained in the disorders of important organs else- 

 where. If any such coincident disease of another organ or function 

 can be detected, that should be treated first or simultaneously with 

 this affection of the kidneys. In all cases the building up of the 

 general health is important. Hence a course of tonics may be given 

 (phosphate of iron 2 drams, nux vomica 20 grains, powdered gentian 

 root 4 drams, daily) or 60 drops of sulphuric acid or nitrohydrochloric 

 acid may be given daily in the drinking water. If there is any ele- 

 vated temperature of the body and tenderness of the loins, fomenta- 

 tions may be applied, followed by a mustard pulp, as for acute 

 inflammation, and even in the absence of these indications the mus- 

 tard may be resorted to with advantage at intervals of a few days. 

 In suppression of urine, fomentations with warm water or with infu- 

 sion of digitalis leaves is a safer resort than diuretics, and cupping 

 over the loins may also benefit. To apply a cup, shave the skin and 

 oil it ; then take a narrow-mouthed glass, rarify the air within it by 

 introducing a taper in full flame for a second, withdraw the taper 

 and instantly apply the mouth of the glass to the skin and hold it 

 closely applied till the cooling tends to form a vacuum in the glass 

 and to draw up the skin, like a sucker. 



As in the acute inflammation, every attention must be given to 

 secure warm clothing, a warm stall, and pure air. 



TUMORS OF THE KIDNEYS. 



Tumors, whether malignant or simple, would give rise to symptoms 

 resembling some form of inflammation, and are not liable to be recog- 

 nized during life. 



PARASITES. 



To parasites of the kidney belong the echinococcus, the larval, or 

 l)iadder worm, stage of the small echinococcus tapeworm of the dog. 

 Dioctophyme renale^ the largest of roundworms, has been found in 

 the kidney of the horse. Its presence can be certified only by the 

 passage of its microscopic eggs or of the entire worm. Immature 

 stages of roundworms, either Strongylus equinus or a related species, 

 may be found in the renal artery or in the kidney itself. 



SPASM OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER. 



This affection consists in spasmodic closure of the outlet from 

 the bladder by tonic contraction of the circular muscular fibers. 

 It may be accompanied with a painful contraction of the muscles 

 on the body of the bladder; or, if the organ is already unduly dis- 

 tended, these will be affected with temporary paralysis. It is most 

 frequent in the horse, but by no means unknown in the mare. 



