98 NEPHRITIS. 



"When the skin is hot and the pulse runs high, vomiting, complete loss 

 of appetite, and great depression are observed, indicating that the attack 

 is an alarming one. When the disease is the result of exposure, the febrile 

 symptoms are more commonly observed. One of the most notable changes 

 is in the quantity of urine secreted, it becoming very scanty, high colored, 

 and in the severer cases bloody. 



The bowels are usually constipated. The animal moves about slowlj^ 

 and awkwardly; in getting up and lying down he appears stiff in the loins. 

 Pressure over the region of the kidneys will cause the animal to shrink 

 from the touch. 



Attacks running a fatal course usually terminate in convulsions and pro- 

 found stupor, due to the retained poisonous constituents of the urine. 



?Pror/?iosis. —The causes largely influence the results in nephritis. In. 

 simple uncomplicated attacks the chances are in favor of recovery. When 

 a calculus exists in the kidney, or has attempted a transit from it into the 

 bladder, and becoming lodged in the passage obstructs it, thereby destroy- 

 ing the active function of that important organ, the case is critical. The 

 same or greater danger exists if nephritis results from an abscess in the 

 kidney. When convulsions occur the chances of recovery are very slight. 



Treatment. —While the kidneys are unable to perform their functions 

 other organs must be stimulated to increased activity; the bowels must 

 be largely depended upon. Unless grave symptoms such as convulsions 

 or profound stupor exist, active purgatives are never admissible. It will 

 be noted when they are employed that the action of the kidneys is always 

 lessened by their use. It is necessary therefore to so judiciously apply 

 treatment, that while one function is stimulated the other suffers no im- 

 pairment. By administering cathartics in divided doses this end is secured. 

 The following powders should be given. — 



R Jalapin gr.x 



Sodae Bicarb. gr.xx 

 Ft. Chart. No. xx. Sig. Dose one every two hours or until diarrhoea results. 



To keep the skin active and secure its aid in elimination, the animal 

 should be kept in a warm room and uniform temperature be maintained. 

 Hot applications over the loins by means of the " hop bag" will be found 

 grateful to the animal. Milk is the better diet and may be given freel3 r , as 

 it has an especial action on the kidneys. Beef tea, gruels, mutton broth, 

 and scraped beef may also be given to nourish and sustain. During con- 

 valescence the tincture of the chloride of iron in fifteen drop doses is 

 indicated. 



