92 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



it will be manifest that there is an affection of the urinary 

 organs ; but whether in the kidneys or bladder it will be 

 difficult at first to determine. At this stage of the disease 

 the pulse is hard and accelerated ; it soon afterwards becomes 

 small, although retaining its character of hardness. 



In order to ascertain the seat of the disease, the hand 

 must be introduced into the rectum, and if the bladder 

 (which is situated under the rectum) feels distended and 

 hard, then it is certain that the neck or sphincture of the 

 bladder is inflamed. If, on the other hand, it is soft and 

 feeling empty, with a heat in the intestines over it, then 

 there is inflammation of the bladder itself; but if there is 

 no unnatural heat over it, then it may be certain that the 

 affection is in the kidneys. 



Cause. — Musty or mow-burnt oats, from their diuretic 

 properties, are often the cause of inflammation in the kidneys. 

 Indeed very strong diuretics, frequently given, will bring on 

 inflammation of the kidneys as well as weakness in the 

 parts. A sprain in the loins often proves the remote cause 

 of this disease ; or a sudden check, throwing him back upon 

 his haunches, and giving a sudden shock to the muscles of 

 the loins, is another cause. Exposure to rain and being 

 allowed to cool and dry without having been rubbed down, 

 will cause inflammation in the kidneys. 



Remedies. — Prompt and copious bleeding must be re- 

 sorted to, after which a strong purgative must be given, and 

 counter irritation produced as near as possible to the seat of 

 the disease. To effect this, use a mustard blister, as turpen- 

 tine and Spanish flies are improper in this disorder. Do 

 not give the animal any diuretics, because these only add 

 to the excitement, already too great. The horse must be 

 kept warm by clothing, his legs well bandaged, and as much 

 water given him as he will take. The food should consist; 



