PART VIII. 

 DISEASES OF THE URINARY SYSTEM. 



CHAPTER I. 



DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 



Examination.— Examination of the kidneys consists of ab- 

 dominal palpation, direct inspection and exploration, and 

 examination of the urine. 



(a) Abdominal palpation is best done with the animal in a 

 standing position, using the fingers of both hands. By gentle 

 digital pressure, abnormalities in the dimension and location 

 of the kidneys will be noted. This method of examination 

 will prove satisfactory only in cases where a marked enlarge- 

 ment occurs, or in emaciated animals. 



(b) Direct inspection of the kidneys may be made, espe- 

 cially in dogs, by performing laparotomy under anesthesia 

 (see Laparotomy) . This method can be done safely and will 

 be found useful in determining accurately the size, consist- 

 ency, and location of the kidneys. In cases of cysts or other 

 enlargements an exploring needle may be used to obtain 

 some of the contents for examination. 



(c) The examination of the urine should be made chemi- 

 cally and physically. Chemically tests should be made for 

 albumin and sugar. The tests for albumin are made as 

 follows: Heller's ring test is a very valuable one as a very 

 small percentage of albumin can be demonstrated with it. 

 It is made in the following manner: A small amount of 

 urine is filtered, poured into a test-tube containing concen- 

 trated nitric acid. At the point of contact of the two liquids 



