362 NEPHETTIS. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of Nephritis, iu many respects, 

 are very similar to those which are present when the bladder is 

 inflamed or irritated. Nephritis frequently commences in a 

 very insidious manner; the hind-limbs are moved stiffly ; the 

 abdomen is tucked up ; the animal urinates frequently, and the 

 urine is scanty. As the disease proceeds, the patient walks 

 with a straddling gait ; the eff'orts to urinate become more 

 frequent and more urgent, and the small portion of urine which 

 may be expelled is mixed with blood ; the animal breathes 

 hurriedly, and the pulse is quick and irritable ; the patient 

 presents a suff'ering and dejected appearance ; and the skin over 

 the region of the kidneys is warmer than natural. 



In other cases (and they are the most common) the symp- 

 toms of the disease resemble those of Inflammation of the 

 Bowels. The patient struggles and rolls violently about ; per- 

 spires considerably ; paws the ground ; stretches out the limbs 

 as though anxious to urinate, and the urine contains blood. 

 Sometimes the urinary secretion is entirely suppressed, when 

 the violence of the patient is excessive, especially if associated 

 with enteric disease. 



Causes. — Injuries of a mechanical nature inflicted upon 

 the loins. Bad food, such, as kiln-dried oats or musty hay. 

 Inordinate doses of Spirits of Turpentine, or Yenice Turpen- 

 tine, or Nitrate of Potash, and other medicines which possess 

 diuretic properties. The absorption of Cantharides from 

 blisters which may be applied to the sides in cases of Pleuritis 

 or Pneumonia. The presence of a Calculus within the pehds 

 of the kidney ; and it is stated that allowing the animal to 

 drink hard water has caused it. 



Teeatmei^t. — The best remedies and modes of treatment 

 to pursue, in general, are — Aconite, Hyoscyamus, Cantharides, 



