246 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
Uremic poisoning is usually preceded by dropsy of the limbs or 
abdomen; a peculiar, fetid breath is often noticed; then drowsiness, 
attacks of diarrhea, and general debility ensue. Suddenly extreme 
stupor or coma develops; the surface of the body becomes cold; the 
pupils are insensible to light; the pulse slow and intermitting; the 
breathing labored, and death supervenes. The temperature through- 
out the disease is seldom increased, unless the disease becomes com- 
plicated with acute, inflammatory disease of the brain or respiratory 
organs, which often occur as a result of the urea in the circulation. 
Albumen and tube casts may frequently be found in the urine. The 
disease almost invariably proves fatal. 
Treatment must be directed to a removal of the cause, 
ELECTRIC SHOCK. 
Electric shock, from coming in contact with electric wires, is becom- 
ing a matter of rather frequent occurrence, and has a similar effect 
upon the animal system as a shock from lightning. Two degrees of 
electric or lightning shock may be observed, one producing temporary 
contraction of muscles and insensibility, from which recovery is pos- 
sible, the other killing directly, by producing a condition of nervous 
and general insensibility. In shocks which are not immediately fatal 
the animal is usually insensible, the respiration slow, labored, or gasp- 
ing, the pulse slow, feeble, and irregular, and the pupils dilated and 
not sensitive, or they may be contracted and sensitive. The tempera- 
ture is lowered. There may be a tendency to convulsions or spasms. 
The predominating symptoms are extreme cardiac and respiratory 
depression. 
Treatment.—Sulphate of atropia should be given hypodermically 
in one-quarter grain doses every hour or two hours until the heart 
beats are invigorated, the number and fullness of the respirations 
increased, and consciousness returns. Stimulating injections per rec- 
tum may also be useful in arousing the circulation; for this purpose 
whisky or ammonia water may be used. 
