214 -THEORY AND PRACTICE 



the body crystallizes out in the urine in the form of oxalate of 

 lime. Oxalic acid itself is a product of imperfect combustion of 

 the nitrogenous and amyloidal substances of the body. This 

 condition is found to be comparatively common in animals which 

 are overfed and are given irregular work. Fatiguing labor after 

 a period of idleness and high feeding will cause it. The most 

 aggravated cases are found in trotting stallions. 



Symptoms. — Great dullness and languor are marked symp- 

 toms. In severe cases there is rapid loss of flesh, — a difference 

 in flesh can be seen in a horse within a week. He has a capricious 

 appetite. On examination nothing can be found. The animal 

 runs from bad to worse and gets stiff in the loins. In from 

 ten to 'fifteen days a bran-like scurf appears on the skin. This 

 is a prominent symptom. In four or five weeks, if the disease 

 runs that long, he becomes hide bound and emaciated. He passes 

 water oftener than normal and the urine is of pale amber color. 

 The urethra becomes scalded by the urine and he dreads to mic- 

 turate. The mouth is furred, has a sour smell and a soapy feel. 

 The bowels are irregular. Upon testing the urine the reaction 

 will be neutral, but after standing a little while it will be alka- 

 line. Examined microscopically oxalates of lime will be found, 

 — octahedral crystals in the horse and dumb-bell shaped in the 

 dog and human. These crystals are soluble in nitric acid with- 

 out effervescence, but not in water and are not aft'ected by boil- 

 ing in acetic acid or by potassium hydroxide. 



Treatment. — Indigestion being the cause of the condition, 

 give the animal a complete change of diet and withhold all sac- 

 charines. Give him bran, grass, etc., and gentle and regular ex- 

 ercise. Drinking water should be pure, rain water is the best. 

 In addition to this give mineral acids, hydrochloric acid. Give 

 vSaw Palmetto. If he is in much pain, give a little morphine or 

 codine and combine a little belladonna with the palmetto. 



RENAL CONGESTION. 



Renal congestion is hyperemia of the kidneys. It may occur 

 as a sequel of any debilitating disease. It may be the result of 

 irritating substances applied to the skin or being present in the 



