GENERAL DLSEASES. 119 



In favourable cases the urine gradually becomes normal, 

 the spasms gradually lessen in severity, the power of 

 movement returns, and in a few days the animal is con- 

 valescent. 



In other cases for a long time the loss of power in certain 

 muscles remains. Not in -all cases is there recovery when 

 the urine becomes normal, for the cerebral complications 

 may still continue, and death ensue in consequence. 



Diagnosis. — The only diseases which are likely to be 

 confounded with azoturia are anthrax and cerebro-spinal 

 meningitis. 



Morbid Anatomy. — There is general congestion through- 

 out the body, especially in the glands of the abdomen. 

 The bladder contains thick brownish fluid, and its lining 

 membrane is similarly stained. The nerve-centres may be 

 more or less hyperaemic, and the blood is found to be dark 

 and semi-fluid. 



Treatment. — The animal should be placed in a well- 

 ventilated loose-box, with plenty of straw. 



It ^is of first importance to act freely on the excretory 

 organs. For this purpose, a cathartic or oleaginous pur- 

 gative should be given at once. A full dose of aloes in the 

 form of a ball is probably the best aperient in this con- 

 dition. Enemas should -also be administered at intervals 

 until purgation begins. 



If there be much fever, the liquorof a^tate of ammonium 

 or other febrifuge may be given in the drinking-water, which 

 should always be kept near the animal, and should not be 

 rest ricte d in ajaount. Stimulants and sedatives are harm- 

 ful in the early stages, and should not be given ; but if on 

 the third or fourth day the animal shows no signs of im- 

 provement, moderate doses of alcohol or of nitric ether 

 should be allowed three times daily. In cases where there 

 is any indication of failure of the heart's action, stimulants 



