128 CANINE DISTEMPER 
temper on account of the irritation set up by the 
injudicious administration of phosphorus or arsenic used 
in the treatment of chorea, etc. or from absorption of 
turpentine or cantharides used as counter-irritants in 
various conditions, in which cases the resulting nephritis 
would be of the acute type. 
Symptoms will be evident in cases where the condition 
is severe, and asa first indication one may notice a rather 
more frequent. micturition with the sometimes painful 
passage of only a small quantity of dark-coloured urine 
each time. It may even be blood-stained or contain clots 
of blood (haematuria). 
Miller, in his “ Practice of Surgery,” says: “ The renal 
source of the hemorrhage is known by the blood being 
diffused equally through the urine ; by the expelled fluid 
containing cylindrical portions of fibrine, like small 
worms—the result of coagula in the ureter—sometimes 
colourless and sometimes pale-pink ; by the appearance 
of blood, being preceded and accompanied by pain and 
heat in the loins, and other renal symptoms.” 
Owing to the diminution in the amount of urine passed, 
dropsical conditions of other parts ensue. Constipation 
-is present. Dogs walk with an unusual stiffness of the 
hind-legs, whilst bitches assume a crouching attitude as 
though about to urinate. Pain is caused by pressure 
over the loins or by palpation in the region of the 
‘kidneys, and the latter may be found to be enlarged. 
Vomiting is often observed at the outset, and the dog 
loses all desire for food, if such has not already been lost. 
Examination of Urine.—The urine, if examined, will be 
‘found turbid, of increased specific gravity, and containing 
an.excess of albumin, some red and white blood 
corpuscles, or white alone, and tube-casts, the discovery 
of which should assure the investigator that some kidney 
disease exists. 
