Inflammation of the Kidneys ; Symptoms. 267 



(which is situate under the rectum) feels dis- 

 tended and hard, then it is certain that the 

 disease is in the neck of the bladder. If, on 

 the other hand, it is soft and feeling emptj^, 

 with heat in the intestines over it, then there 

 is inflammation in the bladder itself; but if there 

 is no unnatural heat over it, then you may infer 

 that the inflammation is in the kidneys. Musty 

 or mowburnt oats and hay are often the cause 

 of inflammation in the kidneys. Farmers in 

 these hard times turn all their good oats and 

 hay into money and keep only the inferior for 

 their horses, and pay the piper accordingly. 

 Another cause of this complaint is giving too 

 strong doses of diuretic medicine, especially if 

 the medicine is largely made of turpentine. This 

 will bring on an attack of inflammation of the 

 kidneys as well as weakness in the parts. A 

 sprain in the loins by a horse falling with a 

 loaded cart, or jumping short in the hunting- 

 field into a ditch with its hind feet, causing a 

 check to the muscles of the loins, is another 

 cause ; exposure to the cold rain, and being 

 allowed to cool and dry without being rubbed 

 down, will too often cause inflammation of the 

 kidneys. In this disease much difl'erence of 

 opinion is expressed as to the treatment to be 

 adopted ; some advocate bleeding, others affirm 

 that bleeding does no good, but this is certain 

 that as much counter irritation should be given 

 with mustard as it is possible to produce. Spanish 

 flies should not be used for blistering in this com- 

 plaint, as they are a powerful diuretic, and a 



