668 THE DISEASES AND DISOEDERS OF THE OX. 



blue. The urine of man, on the other hand, like that of car- 

 nivorous animals, is normally acid in reaction, being, however, 

 sometimes neutral or almost neutral. The specific gravity of 

 the urine of the ox is about 1036. As compared with that of 

 the horse, the urine of the ox contains more water, more hippu- 

 rate of potassium, and chloride of sodium, and much less urea. 

 There is scarcely any carbonate of calcium in it. 



The simplest disorder of the urinary apparatus in oxen goes 

 by the name of incontinence of urine. The constant dripping 

 may be due to relaxation of the urethral canal at its commence- 

 ment, to irritability of the bladder, or perhaps to an acrid state 

 of the urine, as occurs in the disease known as hseraaturia. 

 Some veterinarians might inject demulcents into the bladder. 

 Sedative applications may be placed on the hypogastrium. 

 Usually the disorder is not treated, being of scarcely sufficient 

 importance. 



DIABETES INSIPIDUS, OR DIABETES SIMPLEX, OR 

 POLYURIA, OR HYDEURIA. 



This derangement, which under certain conditions is very 

 common among horses, is, on the contrary, so rare in the ox 

 that we do not recollect ever having been called to a case of it. 

 It is manifested by profuse urination, and, as might be expected, 

 it may be brought on by excessive drinking of fluids. It may, 

 too, be occasioned by the presence of some diuretic substance in 

 the blood. It may also probably be caused by a disordered 

 condition of the vaso-motor centres, due perhaps to defective 

 assimilation, whereby a dilatation of the renal vessels is pro- 

 duced. The urine, being discharged in great quantity, has a low 

 specific gravity, and a pale colour. The animal loses appetite, 

 is very thirsty, and may be feverish. The bowels are usually 

 more or less constipated, the mucous membranes pale, and the 

 sufferer may become very feeble and bloodless. 



Diabetes may occur also as a crisis in fevers. The urine may 

 then have a higher specific gravity owing to its containing a 

 large excess of urea ; but, when thus occurring as a crisis, it is 

 not accompanied by unfavourable symptoms. On the contrary, 

 it rapidly subsides, and is of favourable omen. 



The food-supply should be changed, and the patient should be 

 allowed good nutritious diet, and a fair quantity of water. A 



