454 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



combat inflammation. Enemas of tepid water are very 

 useful. The body should be well-clothed, and every effort 

 made to induce perspiration. Hot cloths should be applied 

 over the region of the loins, and covered with other cloths 

 to retain the heat as long as possible. A newly-flayed sheep- 

 skin applied over the region of the kidneys acts as an excel- 

 lent counter-irritant, but as it cannot always be procured, 

 some other form of counter-irritation must be employed. 

 Mustard will answer the purpose very well. Cantharidine 

 applications should never be used, as the cantharides may be 

 absorbed and aggravate the trouble. In cases where the 

 animal is plethoric, and at an early stage of the disease, a 

 pretty good abstraction of blood may sometimes be attended 

 with benefit ; but as a rule phlebotomy is not to be recom- 

 mended. Poultices of digitalis over the region of the kidneys 

 are of the greatest possible service. Opium may be freely 

 given to allay pain. The alkaloid is, however, preferable 

 to the opium itself, inasmuch as it may be given subcutane- 

 ously, and in this way acts much sooner than when given 

 by the mouth. The animal should be encouraged to take 

 demulcent drinks, such as linseed tea, etc. A few doses of 

 sodium hyposulph. may also be administered with benefit. 

 The diet should be the best procurable, and the animal 

 should be used carefully for some time after the subsidence 

 of the attack. 



NEPHRITIS (CHRONIC). 



Chronic nephritis is of more frequent occurrence than 

 acute nephritis, and a portion only of the gland may be 

 inflamed ; it is most common amongst old, hard-worked, 

 and debilitated animals,. 



Causes. — Exposure to cold and wet weather, feeding on 

 inferior food — as damaged corn, mouldy hay, etc. — the 

 improper administration of diuretic medicines, etc. 



