388 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS 



distended. Small hemorrhages appear under the capsule. 

 The capsule is easily removed. 



Symptoms.— This condition may not produce very marked 

 symptoms. The most noticeable is the increased amount 

 of urine, the specific gravity of which is much lower than 

 normal. Sensitiveness over the region of the kidneys, and 

 stiffness in walking are also common symptoms. 



Prognosis.— Depends upon the cause. There is always 

 danger of the condition resulting in an acute inflammation 

 of the kidneys. 



Treatment.— Acute purgation is indicated. Administration 

 of magnesium sulphate, or calomel to remove the waste 

 material through the bowels. Avoid irritating foodstuffs. 

 Give milk for a few days. The cause should be removed if 

 possible. r 



Passive Hyperemia. —Etiology.— This condition is brought 

 about as a secondary disease following valvular defects, dis- 

 eases of the lungs, pleura, etc. In some cases it is produced 

 by pressure on the renal vessels by tumors, etc. In all 

 instances the circulatory disturbances lead to an engorgement 

 or passive congestion of the kidneys. 



Pathology.— In passive hyperemia the kidneys are of a 

 dark bluish-red color, larger than normal. On cut section 

 the venous blood oozes out. In old cases there will be found 

 considerable connective tissue thickening. 



Symptoms.— In this condition the quantity of urine is 

 decreased, and albuminuria is present. 



Prognosis.— Depends upon the primary condition. 



Treatment. —Medical— Digitalis administered in small 

 doses daily. Animals should be given gentle exercise. Give 

 nourishing food which is non-irritating (milk and eggs). 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. NEPHRITIS. 



Acute Nephritis — Definition. —An acute inflammatory condi- 

 tion of the kidneys, which is characterized either by nutritional 

 disturbances of the renal epithelium with only a slight change 

 in the interstitial connective tissue (parenchymatous nephri- 



