The Excretions 115 
position as well. The excretions are an excellent in- 
dex to the general condition of the bowels, kidneys and 
skin. During fevers the urine is scanty and highly 
colored. In azoturia, in horses, it varies in color from 
light brown to a dark coffee color, or almost black. 
In Texas or southern cattle fever, the urine of the 
affected animal is red in color. In mares, and some- 
times in geldings, the urine is often thick and of a light 
yellow appearance in early summer. This condition 
is due to the large amounts of salts and mucus in the 
urine, and it is not a serious symptom. Some horses 
sweat profusely from slight exertion. In many in- 
stances this is due to au unusually heavy coat of hair. 
If this is true the coat should be clipped. In some 
eases of profuse sweating the kidneys are to blame. 
They may be stimulated to greater activity by small 
doses of saltpeter, a heaping teaspoonful twice daily, 
given for a few days. This will often overcome the 
trouble by relieving the skin of excessive labor as an 
exeretory organ. 
GENERAL APPEARANCE 
Sick animals usually assume the position that will 
give most relief, or lessening of the pain, to a diseased 
or injured part. Therefore, a person attempting to 
determine its condition should approach the animal 
very quietly, and, before disturbing it, should care- 
fully note its general appearance and posture. This is 
an important aid in determining the seat of the trouble. 
In taking the pulse, temperature and respiration, the 
