THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 115 



we may consider that it is a favorable omen, and that the tissues 

 are relieving themselves of useless matter. 



Albumen is generally present in the urine in many diseases 

 of an acute character, such as inflammation of the lungs, pleura, 

 liver, peritoneum, and heart, and hence can only, under the cir- 

 cumstances, be considered as a symptom, rather than a disorder 

 of itself, and a favorable symptom, too ; for Dr. Bird has adduced 

 evidence to show that in many disorders there is a steady and 

 considerable increase in the quantity of solid excreta whenever 

 the patient improved, and as remarkable a diminution when the 

 symptoms relapsed.* 



It is a well-established fact, however, that in cases of diseased 

 kidney, termed Bright's disease, the urine becomes albuminous ; 

 but so far as our observation goes, the disease so prevalent in 

 the human family is very rare in the horse. Should any dis- 

 ease of these organs exist, it may be known by the straddling 

 gait, and other symptoms enumerated under the head of Inflam- 

 mation of the Kidneys. 



The urine, at times, has a thick, gelatinous, straw-colored ap- 

 pearance, containing a large amount of excrementitious material; 

 this is not to be confounded with albuminous urine, for horses 

 very frequently pass very thick, and to all appearances morbid 

 urine, especially when fed high and worked but little. The 

 urine of this kind can always be improved by proper attention to 

 the horse's management. Albuminous urine is known by being 

 of bright-yellow color, of the consistence of jelly, and can be 

 lifted from the floor between the fingers, in the form of shreds 

 or strings. 



Should the owner of the horse feel desirous of doing some- 

 thing to liquefy the urine, and give it a more natural appear- 

 ance, — although we do not think that the horse, in all cases, 

 would be benefited thereby, — he may give the following: — 



Powdered assafoetida, 1 ounce, 



" poplar bark, 8 ounces, 



" juniper berries, 2 ounces. 



Mix ; and divide the mass into eight parts, and give one niglri 

 and morning, in the food. 



* On Urinary Deposits, &c, by Dr. G. Bird. 



