116 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE- 



DIABETES INSIPIDUS. 



What are the synonyms ? 



Polyuria, chronic diuresis. 



Give the definition. 



This is a chronic affection, characterized by thirst, emaciation, 

 and the passage of large quantities of pale urine, which has a low 

 specific gravity. 



What are the causes ? 



They are not well understood; traumatic injuries, especially 

 to the nervous system, tumors of the brain, aneurisms; some ner- 

 vous irritation affecting the medulla, either directly or indirectly. 



Give the symptoms. 



The disease usually comes on slowly; the first symptoms no- 

 ticed are the passage of large quantities of urine and an increased 

 thirst. The urine has a low specific gravity, is watery and very 

 pale; the appetite is good, but not increased; the mouth and skin 

 are dry, but the animals seem well nourished. 



How is diabetes insipidus diagnosed ? 



By the passage of large quantities of urine of a low specific 

 gravity, not containing sugar, except, possibly, in small quantities; 

 also by the increased thirst, the body being fairly well nourished, 

 emaciation not marked. These symptoms point out the distinction 

 between the two forms of diabetes. 



What is the treatment ? 



Nothing seems to give satisfaction. The following are among 

 the drugs recommended: Ergot, valerian, gallic acid, mineral acids, 

 antipyrin, arsenic, turpentine, strychnine, potassium iodide, bro- 

 mides, salicylates, etc. 



