116 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



Symptoms. — There is excessive elimination of urine, in- 

 digestion, thirst, and the various other symptoms of polyuria 

 are present. The urine has a fragrant smell, and is of higher 

 specific gravity, and when tested is found to contain glucose 

 or grape-sugar. It may be tested for by Trommer's test, or 

 by using Pavy's test pellets, now specially manufactured for 

 the purpose. The fermentation test may also be applied."^ 



Treatment. — The diet should be nourishing, and as nearly 

 as possible devoid of purely saccharine or starchy matter. 

 Opium or codeia, one of its alkaloids, may be given twice 

 daily. Mineral acids, iron salts, and astringents, as gallic 

 acid, are also recommended. 



AZOTURIA. 



Definition. — Is a diseased condition characterized by tonic 

 or clonic spasms of the large muscles of the posterior part 

 of the body and of the limbs, and by the elimination of 

 nitrogenous, darkly coloured urine of high specific gravity. 



Nature of the Disease. — Azoturia is the result of an over- 

 supply or excess of proteid material in the system. 



The muscular elements are probably more involved than 

 the other structures of the body, and the condition of the 

 urine is the result of the pathological changes which have 

 taken place. 



The phenomena of the disease are intimately associated 

 with mal-nutrition, and may originate from this cause, or 

 also from a disordered condition of the nerve-centres, or 

 from both causes. 



Etiology. — The primary cause of azoturia is dietetic. The 

 disease may attack animals out at grass, and it is especially 

 apt to follow periods of idleness preceded by active work. 

 It does not so much occur during the actual rest as when 



* For particulars as to examination of the urine, see ' Urine in 

 Health and Disease.' 



