VACCINE-THERAPY 119 



We are all aware of cases which from time to time come 

 under observation where the kidneys are reduced to a 

 mass of almost useless pulp, and yet during life we never 

 suspected or diagnosed nephritic trouble. Had a careful 

 examination of the urine in such a case been carried out, 

 our diagnosis and treatment might have been different and 

 the results perhaps more satisfactory. 



From a fairly extensive bacteriological examination of 

 the urine, especially in equines, we have been struck with 

 the great susceptibility of the urinary system to bacterial 

 invasions. And this is not surprising, considering the 

 anatomical arrangements and excretory functions of the 

 urinary system. 



Bacterial infection can take place from two sources : 

 (1) Infection internally from and through the blood- 

 stream j (2 infection externally from the vulva in the 

 female, which is rather common, or in the male through 

 the urethra, which is very uncommon. Considering, 

 therefore, the eliminative functions of the urinary system, 

 and its anatomical arrangements and position, bacterial 

 invasions must needs be nearly always mixed. The 

 most common bacteria found in practice are streptococci, 

 staphylococci, B. jpyocyaneus, B. coli communis, B. tuber- 

 culosis. As an illustration of bacterial infection through 

 the blood-stream, one may cite metastatic strangles, where 

 the streptococci become entangled in the parenchyma of 

 the kidneys following upon metastasis. 



External infection is a condition which is not to be 

 wondered at, considering the unhygienic state of the animal 

 rectum, vulva, buttocks, tail, etc., the close relationship the 

 vulva has with the rectum, and, lastly, the nearness of the 

 meatus urinarius to the vulval opening. 



In pregnant animals, following upon delivery or abortion, 

 one sometimes finds cystic and nephritic bacterial invasions, 

 as a result of extension from the uterus, vagina, or vulva. 



When one suspects disease or derangement of the urinary 

 system, a careful examination of the urine should be made. 



