190 DTSEASKS OF THE HOa. 



disease, or otherwise, llie kidneys did not secrete 

 tliis material from the bh)od the animal would 

 soon suffer from a form of blood poisoning called 

 uremic. The quantity of urine secreted varies 

 very much in the same animal. The weather has 

 a great deal to do with the amount secreted. Ani- 

 mals pass more urine in winter than in summer, 

 as heat increases the quantity removed by the 

 skin and lessens the amount passed by the kidneys. 

 Thick, creamy urine is the result of a sluggish 

 condition of the kidneys, while coffee colored and 

 scanty urine is the result of fever and a partial 

 congestive state of the secretive organs in differ- 

 ent parts of the body. An increase in the quantity 

 and a clecir or light yellow color denote either 

 over-stimulation or it is seen in cold weather, and 

 on account of it not being irritant the time be- 

 tween voiding it has been prolonged. On the 

 other hand, if it is passed in quantities and often 

 and the animal is very thirsty, it is a symptom of 

 a disease which will be described hereafter. As 

 long as an animal is in good condition and spirits 

 and has a good appetite, no notice need be taken of 

 the urine. Diseases of the urinary organs are very 

 rare in animals, but as they do happen sometimes 

 I shall describe a few of them. 



Nephritis (Inflammation of the Kidneys). 

 Causes: Injuries, cold rains, cold water dropping 

 on the loins for a length of time, feeding on brew- 

 ers' grains and distillery slops, kidney worms, etc. 

 Symptoms: The animal is stiff in its hind parts, 

 pain in the loins if the animal is made to move, 



