AND HIS DISEASES. 103 



Causes. — Its frequency in Canada arises in a great mea- 

 sure from the hay, which, in some seasons especially, is in a 

 very bad state of preservation, owing to its hurried prepara- 

 tion, consequent on our short season, or the insufficiency of 

 the barns to keep out wet, and becomes heated and musty ; 

 also from exposure to the severe cold of our winters and 

 insufficient shelter. 



Frequently it occurs as an accompaniment of acidity of 

 the stomach, or from the injudicious use of diuretics, of 

 which most " condition powders" of the shops are principally 

 made. Sometimes from the too free application of canthari- 

 dine blisters, which, becoming absorbed, stimulate the kidneys. 

 Sudden checks to the perspiration often give rise to it. 



Symptoms. — The intense thirst first attracts attention, he 

 is constantly craving for water, he rapidly loses condition, 

 the coat becomes rough and staring, he passes large quantities 

 of clear urine, his litter being constantly wet. He will be 

 seen poking among his litter, which he often eats with 

 avidity, in preference to good hay. If it goes on unchecked, 

 great prostration sets in, the heart beats tumultuously, the 

 throbbing being often visible at the side, the pulse being 

 irregular and intermittent. 



Treatment. — It is generally very easily checked if taken 

 in time ; a complete change of diet is indispensable ; give 

 good sweet hay^-carrots are recommended. The bowels 

 must be freely opened. Professor Dick says : — " I have 

 found iodine in doses of two drachms, once or twice a-day, 

 a never-failing remedy, very useful in correcting the thirst 

 and checking ,the flow of urine." The following ball may 

 be given night and morning : — 



Iodine,. 1 drachm. 



Iodide of potassium, ... 1 drachm. 

 Barbadoes aloes, .... 1 draohm. 



