246 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Uremic poisoning is usually preceded by dropsy of the limbs or 

 abdomen ; a peculiar, fetid breath is often noticed ; then drowsiness, 

 attacks of diarrhea, and general debility ensue. Suddenly extreme 

 stupor or coma develops ; the surface of the body becomes cold ; the 

 pupils are insensible to light; the pulse slow and intermitting; the 

 breathing labored, and death supervenes. The temperature through- 

 out the disease is seldom increased, unless the disease becomes com- 

 plicated with acute, inflammatory disease of the brain or respiratory 

 organs, which often occur as a result of the urea in the circulation. 

 Albumen and tube casts may frequently be found in the urine. The 

 disease almost invariably proves fatal. 



Treatment must be directed to a removal of the cause. 



ELECTRIC SHOCK. 



Electric shock, from coming in contact with electric wires, is becom- 

 ing a matter of rather frequent occurrence, and has a similar effect 

 upon the animal system as a shock from lightning. Two degrees of 

 electric or lightning shock may be observed, one producing temporary 

 contraction of muscles and insensibility, from which recovery is pos- 

 sible, the other killing directly, by producing a condition of nervous 

 and general insensibility. In shocks which are not immediately fatal 

 the animal is usually insensible, the respiration slow, labored, or gasp- 

 ing, the pulse slow, feeble, and irregular, and the pupils dilated and 

 not sensitive, or they may be contracted and sensitive. The tempera- 

 ture is lowered. There may be a tendency to convulsions or spasms. 

 The predominating symptoms are extreme cardiac and respiratory 

 depression. 



Treatment. — Sulphate of atropia should be given hypodermically 

 in one-quarter grain doses every hour or two hours until the heart 

 beats are invigorated, the number and fullness of the respirations 

 increased, and consciousness returns. Stimulating injections per rec- 

 tum may also be useful in arousing the circulation ; for this purpose 

 whisky or ammonia water may be used. 



