NEPHRITIS. 



453 



urine is passed, and that little is highly coloured, and some- 

 times mixed with blood. The bowels are usually con- 

 stipated, as they are in nearly all diseases accompanied by 

 fever. Patches of perspiration break out on the shoulders, 

 flanks, etc. The flanks are sunken, and the belly tucked up. 

 In some cases the animal may walk with a straddling gait ; 

 but this action may be noticed in various conditions, and 

 alone, should not be regarded as a certain indication of 

 nephritis. The pulse runs up rapidly, and the patient 

 walks about as though he were under the influence of 

 opiates, and gradually passes into a semi-comatose con- 

 dition. Ursemic poisoning may set in, causing the animal to 

 act as though intoxicated, and a strong uriniferous odour is 

 given out in the perspiration. The condition is at this time 

 a very serious one, and unless relief be quickly aff'orded the 

 animal dies. There are other so-called tests by which it is 

 claimed that the presence, or absence, of nephritis can be 

 ascertained, such as pressing upon the back over the region 

 of the kidneys ; but such a test is worthless, for the reason 

 that any irritable horse will flinch from any considerable 

 amount of pressure upon this, or any other, part of the 

 body. Examination per rectum may assist in diagnosis by 

 revealing heat in the region of the kidneys. Such a 

 symptom though, at the very best, is a doubtful one. In a 

 well-marked case of nephritis, casts of the uriniferous tubes 

 may be discovered in the urine. 



Treatment — Every endeavour must be made to relieve 

 the kidneys of work, and keep them quiet. To efi'ect this 

 object it becomes necessary to excite the other excretory 

 organs to increased action. A good oleaginous purgative 

 should be given in preference to aloes, as the latter may 

 pass ofi" by the kidneys and aggravate, instead of relieve, the 

 disease. Aconite in the usual sized doses may be ad- 

 ministered at proper intervals, being highly useful to 



