452 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



of resin, potassium nitrate, and other diuretics, by stimulat- 

 ing and taxing the powers of the kidneys to the utmost, are 

 very likely to induce an attack of nephritis, hence such 

 medicines should never be administered needlessly, or in an 

 indiscriminate manner. Certain kinds of food, as over-ripe 

 grasses, food of an inferior quality, as mouldy hay and corn, 

 certain plants, etc., may also have occasionally a powerful 

 diuretic effect, and a tendency to produce an attack of 

 nephritis; occasionally the absorption of cantharides 

 may take place from a cantharidine vesicant, and give rise 

 to inflammation of the kidneys. The same result may be 

 brought about by the internal administration of cantharides, 

 given under the false impression that sexual excitement may 

 thus be brought about without resulting injury to the 

 animal. The kidneys are exceedingly well protected, but it is 

 still possible that nephritis may result from injuries such as 

 would be likely to result from carrying heavy weights across 

 country, jumping, falling, etc. 



Symptoms, — The symptoms of nephritis are pretty well- 

 marked; but some bowel diseases are often mistaken by 

 casual observers, or incompetent men, for kidney disease. 

 Azoturia is also frequently mistakenly diagnosed as a 

 kidney disease. The pulse ranges from forty-five to fifty 

 beats per minute, but increases in rapidity as the disease 

 advances. More or less fever may be observed, as a rule the 

 fever being well-marked, and the mouth and nostrils hotter 

 than usual. The animal also exhibits more or less pain 

 and uneasiness, occasionally turning his head towards the 

 seat of the pain, lies down and sometimes rolls, but not 

 often, nor so violently as in enteritis, colic, etc. AYhen 

 down and reclining upon his side, he frequently turns his 

 head, and points with his nose towards the region of the 

 kidneys, and now and then gives vent to a low moan or 

 sigh. Frequent attempts are made to urinate, but Jittle 



