2 20 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY 



tubal nephritis; and second — inflammation of the ^'connective 

 tissue'' ox interstitial nephritis; a third condition however some- 

 times arises which may develop either among the tubes or in the 

 substance of the ' ' connective tissue ' ' and may therefore become 

 a sequel to either of the two main groups of inflammation, namely, 

 suppurative nephritis, or the formation of abscesses due very fre- 

 quently to blood poisoning. The next question that arises for 

 consideration is how are these two main groups of inflammation 

 to be recognized the one from the other. 



When the tubes are the seat of inflammation, the deleterious 

 and effete matter which is trying to make its way out of the sys- 

 tem through the kidneys blocks up the urine tubes because the 

 quantity of material to be conveyed is in excess of the capacity of 

 the tubes, this being the origin of the primary congestion and 

 subsequent inflammation; there being under these conditions no 

 suppression of urine, the fluid constituents are unable to pass out 

 as in health and a regular block takes place; the consequence is 

 that with the pressure of the blood stream behind, the fluid por- 

 tions must find an exit somewhere, and dropsical effusions under 

 the skin are the result and albumen almost invariably makes its 

 appearance in the urine; in the horse, the most common localities 

 for the effusions to first appear are the breast and the penis, some- 

 times extending along the floor of the abdomen; as in the case of 

 renal congestion the first thhig to attract the stableman's atten- 

 -tion is the uneasiness, the repeated posturing with hind and fore 

 legs as about to micturate, standing up again and so on until per- 

 haps a small quantity of thickish-looking urine is passed; a turn- 

 ing round of the head first to one side and then the other, and if 

 not tied up occasionally lying down and on rising making a 

 further effort to pass water. 



The horse will experience some general disturbance affecting 

 temperature (103 degrees), pulse (75), respiration uncertain. The 

 appetite for food will be decidedly impaired and the desire for 

 fluids almost nil; the horse will evince a good deal of pain when 

 called upon to move, and the hind legs will be dragged along in a 

 stiff, almost helpless manner; gentle pressure over the loins on 

 either side of the spinal column will cause the animal to exhibit 

 distinct evidence of tenderness and pain. An opportunity must 

 be availed of, when the horse is able to pass a little water to have 



