55 



hours, according to the severity of the case. Great care must be 

 exercised, as evil results may follow if the bowels are checked 

 too soon. 



Diseases of the Urinary System. 



inflammation of the kidneys — acute nephritis. 



Causes. — It is at times produced by the action of cold; it also 

 happens frequently in the course of infectious diseases. It is 

 then the result of renal (kidney) elimination of irritating prod- 

 ucts (waste materials, etc.) : irritating medicines, such as turpen- 

 tine, absorption of cantharides from a large blistered surface; 

 molds, rust (in feed), etc, 



Symjjtoms. — The most important and often the only manifes- 

 tations of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for 

 instance.) are furnished by the urine. Its quantity is diminished; 

 it is thickened: of abnormal color; occasionally it is the color of 

 blood. Micturation (pissing) is painful; the urine often runs off 

 drop by drop only, notwithstanding the violent efforts made by 

 the patient. In serious cases the urinary secretion may be com- 

 pletely suppressed. 



The lumbar region is very sensitive to the pressure of the 

 hand. At the beginning of the disease we often find renal (kid- 

 ney) colics. The back is arched, the gait stiff and staggering, 

 rising is painful; the animal remains almost constantly stand- 

 ing. The appetite may be lost. The temperature is elevated; in 

 some cases it may range very high. 



Treatmenf. — Remove the cause if possible; give absolute rest, 

 and avoid all irritating food or medicines. Try to induce sweat- 

 ing by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the whole body; 

 also by warm blankets, wet, tepid compresses applied upon the 

 trunk. Give the following physic; it has a most favorable 

 action, because it will draw a large quantity of water from the 

 organism: Aloes 6 drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 dram. Sig: 

 Make into a ball and give at one dose. 



If there is a total suppression of urine, ^ ounce of fluid extract 

 digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over the kidneys, 

 will have a beneficial effect by stimulating the kidneys without 

 causing irritation. This application should not be used more than 

 once. 



