ALBUMINURIA. 459 



Symptoms. — The animal exhibits more or less dulness, 

 and gradually loses flesh; the coat is staring, dry, and dusty- 

 looking, the patient having an unthrift}'' appearance gener- 

 ally. OEdematous swellings appear in connection with the 

 limbs. Usually the swollen parts will pit upon being pressed ; 

 and in many cases the swelling of the limbs does not disappear 

 with exercise. The favourite position of the animal while 

 standing quietly at rest in his stall is standing stretched 

 out with his hind-legs pretty well back, and the fore-legs 

 inclining forward. The urine is subject to frequent and 

 sudden changes in appearance, at one time being almost 

 colourless, at another time being very yellow in appear- 

 ance, and at times is very thick. After rest the animal 

 comes out of the stable with a stiff sort of motion, the stiff- 

 ness being referable to the loins and hind extremities. The 

 practitioner, having observed the symptoms enumerated 

 above, will generally suspect the true nature of the case, 

 and, to complete the diagnosis, should apply the test for 

 albumen, which is as follows : ' Having secured a small 

 quantity of the suspected urine, add to it a little nitric acid, 

 and apply heat, when coagulation of the albumen contained 

 in the urine will at once take place.' The appetite of the 

 animal is very capricious, and the pulse weak in character. 

 The bowels are usually constipated. 



Treatment. — A mild dose of cathartic medicine should 

 be administered. Elaterium is used with considerable 

 success in human practice, and is worthy of a trial in 

 veterinary practice. In some cases benefit may attend the 

 administration of a full-sized dose of cathartic medicine. 

 The animal must be carefully protected from the vicissi- 

 tudes of weather. Clothe the body ; hand-rub and bandage 

 the extremities. The food should be of the best quality, 

 highly nutritious, and easily digestible. If convalescence 

 can be established, give tonics, etc. 



