13 



most striking characteristic of the urine of each group is its 

 chemical reaction. In vegetable feeders it is normally alkaline ; 

 in flesh eaters it is markedly acid, and in the omnivora it may 

 be acid or alkaline according to the preponderance of the 

 fleshy or vegetable material in the food. 



In the practical treatment of this subject it is convenient 

 to regard the horse as the type for the herbivora; man for 

 the omnivora ; and the dog or the cat for the carnivora. In all 

 cases throughout this work it is to be understood that, unless 

 especially directed, the same tests are to be performed upon 

 the urines of man and horse and a parallel record of such tests, 

 for comparison, is to be kept upon the blank pages. 



In man, fresh, normal urine is a clear, golden-colored, 

 transparent liquid, having a peculiar aromatic characteristic- 

 odor, and a bitter saline taste. 



In the horse, the urine is of a yellowish color when passed, 

 but turns to a deep brown color upon standing for a time, due 

 to the oxidation of pyrocatechin. It is more or less turbid and 

 of a viscous character. Its odor is somewhat ammoniacal and 

 strongly aromatic and more penetrating that that of man. 



The urine is chiefly a solution of urea and certain organic 

 and inorganic salts ; epithelial cells and mucus may also be 

 held in suspension. Like milk and other animal fluids, the 

 urine is not of constant composition. It is influenced by vari- 

 ous factors, such as food, the amount of water or other fluids 

 taken into the body ; the temperature of the skin ; the emo- 

 tions ; blood pressure, general or local ; exercise ; the time of 

 day ; age ; sex ; and medicines. 



Quantity. The amount varies considerably. In man. the 

 quantity for twenty-four hours ranges from 1000 cc. to 2000 cc. 

 In the horse, the average amount is about 3000 cc. to 4000 cc, 

 although it may go as high as 7000 cc. or 9000 cc. In the ox a 

 still greater quantity is secreted, the usual limits being from 

 4500 cc. to 19000 cc. In the sheep, from 250 cc. to 700 cc. In 

 the pig it varies from 1200 cc. to 6000 cc. In the dog it varies 

 from 200 cc. to 900 cc, depending upon the size of the animal. 



Color. The color ranges from pale yellow to brown. The 

 normal color of urine is due to pigments probably derived from 

 the coloring matter of the bile. 



