DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM. 279 



never constitutes a sediment, but is detected by boiling 

 the urine and adding enough nitric acid to make it de- 

 cidedly acid in reaction. If albumin be present, there will 

 be coagulation. 



In Chronic Cystitis the urine is often decomposed and 

 alkaline when passed. 



In Nephritis there may be frequent micturition from 

 extension of the irritation from the kidney to the bladder, 

 the alteration in the urine, etc. ; but in cystitis there is 

 always more or less trouble in this way. If there be 

 abscess of the kidney, pus will appear in abundance in the 

 urine. 



Renal Calculus is often difficult to diagnose ; but irregu- 

 larity in the symptoms, with at times great pain and gen- 

 eral tenderness over the kidney, are highly suggestive. 



Cystic Calculus, or stone in the bladder, is also marked 

 by aggravation of the symptoms at times, possibly blood 

 in the urine, occasional retention of urine it may be, pain, 

 etc. Small calculi may block the urethra and necessitate 

 urethrotomy, or cutting into the urethra. While acute 

 nephritis may be set up by cold, drugs like turpentine 

 and cantharides, which should be used in the case of the 

 dog with extreme caution, the forms of chronic nephritis 

 so common in man are of extreme rarity in the dog. 



Treatment. In all these diseases warm and in every 

 way comfortable quarters are essential. Food must be 

 always easily digestible and unstimulating, but in the later 

 stages of acute affections (convalescence), and in chronic 

 affections, highly nourishing. In acute disease demulcent 

 drinks, and in cystitis milk and lime-water, are especially 

 indicated. In all, it is important to relieve pain with 



