28 



common. The second, termed diabetes mellitus, is rarely met with. Diabetes 

 of the first kind is a malady caused by feeding on mouldy hay, musty, damp, 

 or kiln-dried oats, and bad corn. Sometimes it is caused by boiled food. 

 It may result from prolonged exertion and exposure to cold when the diet is 

 not at fault. Sometimes it comes on from very slight errors in dieting 

 during convalescence from weakening diseases. "Diabetes Insipidus" 

 is known by the great thirst it occasions, and the excessive passing of water 

 and depraved appetite. The mouth has a nasty, sour smell, and the animal 

 gradually loses strength. The treatment consists in change and careful 

 regulation of the diet. At first the food should be restricted to a moderate 

 amount of good hay and mashes, and the animal should be rested and 

 carefully attended to. Mild aperients, such as half a pint of linseed oil may 

 be given when necessary; and half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium, 

 with a drachm of iodide of potassium may be administered three times daily 

 in the drinking water. Afterwards, during recovery, vegetable tonics, such 

 as ginger and gentian, may be given in the form of a ball, with a drachm 

 and a half of carbonate of ammonium. The other or second form of diabetes 

 is characterised by excessive passing of water, containing sugar in 

 abundance. We need not here enter further into a consideration of this 

 rare and intricate malady. 



OXALURIA. 



''Oxaluria" is a disease characterised by great debility, loss of flesh, 

 stiffness in the loins, and a branny scurf on the body It is caused by 

 irregular feeding, irregular exercise and work, and indigestion. It is 

 commonly met with in hunters, which work irregularly, and commonly 

 undergo long periods of fasting. " Oxaluria" is also induced by food rich in 

 sugar, such as carrots, turnips, and other roots, especially if the digestion is 

 out of order. In this complaint a purgative should be given and the diet 

 carefully regulated, and roots and other food containing much sugar should 

 be discontinued. A draught, consisting of diluted nitro-hydrochloric acid 

 one drachm, of tincture of nux vomica one drachm, and of tincture of 

 gentian one ounce, may be given in a sufficiency of water three times daily. 

 If the water contains lime in excess, it should be changed. Regular exercise 

 and fresh air are essential. 



AZOTURIA. 



Lastly, we must say a few words of still another general dietetic disease 

 called azoturia. It is a malady characterised by spasms of the large muscles 

 of the posterior part of the body and limb, and the passage of very darkly- 

 coloured water. This disease is especially apt to follow periods of idleness, 

 preceded by periods of active work, and its primary cause is dietetic. 

 "Azoturia" does not so much occur during actual rest as when the animal 

 resumes work. Tares, vetches, and leguminous vegetables are especially 

 apt to induce this serious disease. It is more common in autumn, and is 

 more frequently met with in mares than in geldings. In no case can the 

 .amateur undertake the treatment of this serious disease. The animal 



