CH&<PTE<R VIII. 

 DISEASES 



OF 



THE URW&&Y 0&G&WS. 



Nephritis. 



Nephritis or inflammation of the kidney is a disease rarely met with in 

 dogs. Its infrequency is relatively the same as the occurrence of acute 

 inflammations in other glandular organs. 



Causation. —It is possible that nephritis may arise from the excessive 

 dosing of certain drugs acting directly and powerfully on the kidneys, 

 such as saltpetre, cantharides, and turpentine; the second used in blisters, 

 the last in the treatment of worms. 



Injuries such as kicks or blows over the region of the kidneys, may in- 

 duce the disease. Probably the more common cause is exposure to cold, 

 or more especially the sudden cooling of an overheated body; shutting 

 the dog into a cold kennel after a hard run, or allowing him to plunge into 

 the water causes a violent contraction of the blood vessels of the surface 

 driving the blood to the internal organs, producing in them increased 

 pressure and possibly congestion. 



The use of certain ointments for mange, under some conditions may act 

 upon tho skin in a manner somewhat similar to cold, and thereby induce 

 the affection. 



The formation of stone in the kidney, or renal calculus, might create a 

 disturbance and nephritis result. 



Symptoms . —According to the severity of the disease the symptoms will 

 vary greatly. Fever may be present in a noticeable degree in the com- 

 mencement of the attack, and it may be absent. 



