XXXV. 

 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 



The kidneys of the lower animals are in a great measure ex- 

 empt from diseases which so often destroy human life. They do 

 not indulge in alcoholic drinks, and are free to a certain extent 

 of the cares and troubles of the world. Their emotions and men- 

 tal anxieties are not so great. Diseases of the kidneys, however, 

 do occur and are well marked. Physiologically the kidneys 

 excrete from the body those materials resulting from metamor- 

 phosis of tissue, which, if retained, would act injuriously upon 

 the system generally. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS— NEPHRITIS. 



This disease is seldom seen in the lower animals. When it 

 does occur it is generaly found in the chronic form. I^ephritis 

 generally embraces all the structure of the kidney, often com- 

 mencing in the mucous membrane of the uriniferous tubes, and 

 afterward involving the parenchyma. One kidney may be 

 affected to the exclusion of the other. 



Causes. — Many injuries and strains, causing a stiffness in the 

 animal's gait, have been mistaken for kidney trouble, and we 

 meet with practitioners who blister a poor animal's back and 

 loins in most cruel manner. They come to the conclusion that 

 bowel diseases and most injuries are pure cases of kidne}' disease. 

 They seem to have made up their minds before seeing it that the 

 animal had kidney trouble, and diagnosed as kidney trouble what 

 was simply a strain, or stiffness from over-exertion. I think the 

 most prolific cause is due to the absorption of irritable medicines 

 applied as local liniments, or it may be produced by the admin- 

 istration of internal medicines which have an irritating effect, 

 as croton oil, turpentine, etc. Long-continued effect of cold, as 



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