450 SPORADIC DISEASES. 



in (1.) being more watery ; (2.) containing acetic acid, and in 

 being free from earthy carbonates. 



The diabetes mellitus ditfers from the insipidus, from the 

 circumstance that the urine contains sugar. I am not aware 

 tliat this form is ever seen in the herbivora; but I have re- 

 peatedly met with it in dogs, and in ahnost every instance the 

 creatures had been fed for a length of time on boiled liver. M. 

 U. Leblanc reports a case in a dog and another in a monkey. — 

 (See Gamgee's Domestic Animals.) 



Therapeutics. — Investigate carefully the quality and quantity 

 of the food, which in all cases, whether it be apparently good or 

 indifferent, ought to be changed. If the horse is fed on oats and 

 hay, try a change to beans and a fresh sample of hay ; if fed 

 mostly on beans, change to oats. The bran and other fodder 

 must also be changed, as any of these articles may contain some 

 undetectable material which operates unfavourably on tlie 

 economy, some constituent which acts as a constant irritant upon 

 the body and kidneys. It is advisable to give an aperient, and 

 to restrict the diet to hay and mashes for some days. Much 

 relief will be afforded to the animal by giving the bicarbonate of 

 soda in the food or water. I prefer this to chalk, a remedy held 

 in well-deserved esteem. 



When the aperient has operated, iodine is to be administered, 

 commencing with two-drachm doses twice a day, and diminishijig 

 the dose as the thirst disappears. 



Iodine was first prescribed for diabetes by Professor Dick, 

 who discovered, whilst experimenting with it in the treatment 

 of glanders, that it had the effect of allaying the sense of thirst 

 in a most remarkable manner, and ever since then it has been 

 held to possess specific powers in this affection. There is no doubt 

 whatever as to its therapeutic value, for not only does the thirst 

 diminish, but the appetite improves, and all the other symptoms 

 disappear as soon as the system is charged with the iodine. 



It is usual to mix clay with the horse's drinking water ; if 

 soda bicarbonate is prescribed, there is no need to give dirty 

 when clean water can be obtained, and it is cruel to restrict 

 the water in quantity to any great extent. The horse must rest, 

 and be carefully attended to for several days. 



In the dog the disease is fatal. I have tried various remedies, 

 Bucli as feeding on milk or on flesh entirely ; creosote, opium, 



