124 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



entangled earthy granules (carbonate of lime), or crystals of someother 

 urinary salts. In still other cases the casts entangle clear, refran- 

 gent globules of oil or fat, which may imply fatty degeneration of the 

 kidneys or injury to the spinal cord. The presence of free pus giv- 

 ing a glairy, floeculent appearance to the urine is suggestive of inflam- 

 mation of the urinary pouch at the commencement of the excretory 

 duct (pelvis of kidney) (PI. IX, fig. 1), especially if complicated with 

 gritty particles of earthy salts. This condition is known as pyelitis. 

 In the chronic cases swelling of the legs or along the lower surface of 

 chest or abdomen, or within these respective cavities, is a common 

 symptom. So, also, stupor or coma, or even convulsions, may super- 

 vene from the poisonous action of urea and other waste or morbid 

 products retained in the blood. 



Treatment. — In the treatment of acute nephritis the first considera- 

 tion is the removal of the cause. Acrid or diuretic plants in the 

 food must be removed, and what of this kind is present in the stom- 

 ach or bowels may be cleared away by a moderate dose of castor or 

 olive oil;' extensive surfaces of inflammation that have been blistered 

 by Spanish flies must be washed clean with soapsuds; sprains of the 

 back or loins must be treated by soothing fomentations or poultices, 

 or by a fresh sheepskin with its fleshy side applied on the loins, and 

 the patient must be kept in a narrow stall in which it can not turn even 

 its head. The patient must be kept in a warm, dry building, so that 

 the skin shall be kept active rather than the kidneys. Warm blan- 

 keting is equally important, or even mustard poultices over the loins 

 will be useful. Blisters of Spanish flies, turpentine, or other agent 

 which may be absorbed and irritate the kidneys must be avoided. The 

 active fever may be checked by 15 drops tincture of aconite every four 

 hours, or by one-third ounce acetanilid. If pain is very acute 1 ounce 

 laudanum or 2 drams solid extract of belladonna will serve to relieve. 

 When the severity of the disease has passed, a course of tonics 

 (quinia, 2 drams, or gentian powder, 4 drams, daily) may be given. 

 Diuretics, too, may be cautiously given at this advanced stage to 

 relieve dropsy and give tone to the kidneys and general system (oil 

 of turpentine, 2 teaspoonf uls ; bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoonful, 

 repeated twice a day). Pure water is essential, and it should not be 

 given chilled; warm drinks are preferable. 



In the chronic forms of kidney inflammation the same protection 

 against cold and similar general treatment are demanded. Tonics, 

 however, are important to improve the general health (phosphate of 

 iron, 2 drams ; powdered nux vomica, 20 grains ; powdered gentian root, 

 4 drams, daily). In some instances the mineral acids (nitric acid, 60 

 drops, ornitro-muriaticacid, 60 drops, daily) may be employed with the 

 bitters. Mustard applied to the loins in the form of a thin pulp made 

 with water and covered for an hour with paper or other impervious 

 envelope, or water hotter than the hand can bear, or cupping may be 



