54G THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



steel. Azoturia occasionally manifests itself in connection 

 Avith the fore extremities instead of the hind limbs ; in this 

 form it is not so severe as when affecting the hind quarters. 

 When the psoae muscles are involved the animal suffers 

 pain of an excruciating character ; in some cases the symp- 

 toms presented might lead one to think the animal had 

 sustained an injury of a mechanical character. The history 

 of the case, and the symptoms brought to light by a 

 closer examination, will, however, reveal the true character 

 of the malady — the pulse is usually, but not always, 

 quickened ; the respirations increase in number, the tem- 

 perature becomes elevated, and the bowels are found to be 

 loaded. 



Treatment. — Whatever treatment is employed should be 

 commenced as early as possible. If the pulse is full and 

 bounding, immediate relief may usually be afforded by a 

 copious abstraction of blood. In place of venesection good- 

 sized doses of aconite may be administered with benefit ; if 

 the pulse is weak or faltering, a good diffusible stimulant 

 should be administered, probably the best, in a case of 

 azoturia, being spts. seth. nitrici, which may be given in the 

 ordinary-sized doses. The body should be well clothed, especi- 

 ally over the region of the loins, and every means adopted to 

 induce a copious flow of perspiration. Counter-irritants 

 should be freely used over the region of the affected muscles, 

 and the ordinary camphorated liniment may be productive of 

 benefit if applied with smart friction ; water as hot as the 

 patient can bear it may also be applied to the parts. A newly- 

 flayed sheep-skin forms an excellent counter-irritant ; mus- 

 tard is, however, most commonly used, and is very good 

 applied in the form of a paste or plaster. The intestinal 

 canal should be unloaded as c[uickly as possible, to effect 

 which object enemas of warm water may be freely em- 

 ployed : a full dose of cathartic medicine should also be 



