CHAP. I.] KIDNEYS, HOW AFFECTED, 285 



they are less liable than the male to inflammation 

 of the neck of the bladder, in consequence of the 

 shortness of the vagina : its straightness, too, af- 

 fords easy proof of the real seat of the disorder, — 

 that essential prelude to effecting any cure whatever. 

 See page 158. 



Causes. — Too constant use of the diuretic pow- 

 ders and balls, (the " pissing balls" of the shops,) 

 commonly bring on inflammation of the kidneys, by 

 the irritation and over-action of these glands which 

 is thereby occasioned. When one kidney only is 

 affected, though in a mild degree, if suffered to 

 continue, it communicates to the other in process of 

 time, but sometimes proceeds with such rapid strides 

 as to affect the intestines, when mortification and 

 death ensues ; but we have no means of ascertain- 

 ing when this last incurable mischief has taken 

 place, until after the animal is dead — nor could the 

 knowledge thereof be made available for any present 

 purpose, though finely instructive as to future cases : 

 then it is the kidneys present an enlarged and rot- 

 ten appearance and feel, their texture yielding to 

 the slightest impression of the finger nails, which 

 shows in what degree and how long they have been 

 affected. 



A hard blow across the loins will injure the kid- 

 ney on the side so struck, and soon affect the other 

 also. Sudden transition from an open airy situation 

 to a stable that is close and hot, violent riding or 

 driving, or an ill-cured affection of the bowels, 

 whether inflammatory or spasmodic, will affect the 



