120 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



should be given freely ; but ammonia and its compounds are 

 not to be recommended, as the blood is already surcharged 

 with nitrogenous waste-products. 



If the animal is unable to rise, he should be raised by 

 means of slings, in which he may be allowed to remain for 

 a few days. He may be taken out occasionally for a little 

 exercise. If he seems disinclined to stand, the limbs may 

 with advantage be briskly rubbed. 



Fomentations on the loins by means of woollen cloths 

 wrung out from warm water are recommended by some, 

 but this treatment is viewed with disfavour by Professor 

 Williams, as likely to increase the irritability of the 

 animal. 



The diet for the first few days should be restricted, and 

 of a light, easily digestible kind. When convalescence is 

 being established, it should be moderately nutritious. A 

 few doses of nux vomica^ may be given with advantage after 

 the discontinuance of the febrifuges.* 



OXALURIA. 



Definition. — Is a condition of the system characterized 

 by the presence of oxalate of lime in the urine, debility, 

 loss of flesh, stiff'ness in the loins, and a branny scurf on 

 the surface of the body. 



Etiology. — The causes are : irregularity of feeding ; ir- 



* We believe pilocarpin injected hypodermically to be of great value 

 in the early stages of the severe forms of azoturia, in addition to the 

 cathartic remedies and febrifuges, though as yet we have not had suffi- 

 cient experience of this disease to assert that this remedy may always 

 do good. It is a powerful diaphoretic, and acts by enabling the blood 

 to throw off the excess of effete matter. 



The phenomena of azoturia, indeed, seem to be dependent upon the 

 accumulation of urea in the blood, owing to its increased production, 

 and also to failure of the kidneys to eliminate this excess. Further, 

 they are probably dependent upon the decomposition of this substance 

 in the blood. 



