120 The Diseases of Animals 
as is the presence of foreign bodies, hair-balls and 
parasites in the intestines. Nails and other foreign 
bodies are frequently found in the reticulum or “honey- 
comb” of cattle, but are of no significance unless there 
is some local injury. Soon after death the digestive 
juices begin to digest the stomach, and may produce 
holes in its walls; and in cattle the lining membrane 
usually slips off in large patches. These conditions 
should not be mistaken for disease. 
The kidneys and bladder should be examined for 
disease, or the presence of concretions, or “stones” or 
“oravel,” so called. The color of the urine in the 
bladder is important. In horses, a dark red or brown- 
ish urine indicates azoturia; and, in cattle, Texas fever. 
The color and consistency of the lungs are very 
important. The healthy lung is very soft, spongy and 
a very light pink in color. After death the blood 
usually settles in the lower lung, making it dark in 
color. If the lungs are hard and firm, and dark col- 
ored, inflammation is indicated. When an inflamed 
lung is cut across there is often a marbled appearance 
and usually a fetid odor of decomposition. In tuber- 
eulosis or consumption, hard lumps are usually found 
on the outside of the lungs, or on the chest-walls and 
diaphragm or midriff. (Fig. 56, Chapter XVI.) The 
lymphatic glands between the lungs are usually greatly 
enlarged, and these, with the lumps mentioned, are 
usually filled with a yellow cheesy material, or pus. 
The throat, esophagus and nasal passages should be ex- 
amined for foreign bodies or food that may have choked 
the animal, 
