DISEASES OF THE URLNARY ORGANS 59 



in the different species and at different times in the same 

 individual. In the horse the quantity secreted in twenty-fonr 

 honrs varies from twelve to fifteen pints ; in cattle from ten to 

 forty pints; in sheep from one-half to one and three-quarter 

 pints. The nonnal color of the urine varies. In tlie horse it is 

 yellow or yellowish-red; in cattle and sheep yellowish; and in 

 the dog- a straw yellow. The specific gravity varies with the 

 quantity secreted and the ration fed. When the quantity of 

 urine secreted is above the average, tlie specific gravity is 



usually low. 



The Necessity of Examining the Urine. — In diseases of the 

 urinary apparatus, a careful examination of the urine is very 

 necessary in order to be able to form a correct diagnosis. In 

 domestic animals it is impractical to attempt to determine the 

 exact amount of urine passed within a certain time, but we can 

 make a general estimate of the quantity passed by carefully 

 observing the animal and noting the condition of the bedding in 

 the stall. The sample of urine to be examined is best taken 

 from urine collected at different periods during the day. We 

 should note its color and consistency. The different substances 

 in the urine can be determined only by determining the specific 

 gravity, testing wnth certain chemical reagents and by making a 

 microscopic examination of the sediment. Xormal urine from 

 the horse may be turbid or cloudy and more or less slimy, 

 because of the presence of mucin. This is less true of other 

 species. In disease the color of the urine may be changed to a 

 pale yellow, red or brown. For example, in congestion of the 

 kidneys the urine is light in color and rather transparent; in 

 southern cattle fever it may be red ; and in azoturia it may be 

 brown. 



Excessive Urination. — The horse is the most common 

 sufferer from excessive secretion of urine. The most common 

 causes are musty feeds, such as hay, grain and shipped feeds. 

 ITew oats, succulent feeds and acrid plants may sometimes cause 



