238 PRINCIPLES OP VETERINARY SCIENCE 



abdominal organs. Continued lack of use causes an "atrophy 

 of inactivity." It is observed in the muscles after prolonged 

 fixation of a limb in splints. Massage or other methods of 

 stimulating the circulation of blood is the logical basis of 

 treatment. 



CALCULI 



Calculi are formed by the precipitation of 'salts which have 

 become insoluble. They may be found in the intestines, kidney, 

 or bladder. Intestinal calculi appear as rounded, stone-like 

 bodies. They usually weigh from 2 to 3 pounds, although one 

 horse is reported to have had a calculus weighing 16 pounds. 

 Renal calculi usually occur as soft, mortar-like masses in the 

 pelvis of the kidney, where they may be present for a long period 

 without causing a visible disturbance. Cystic calculi form in 

 the bladder from nuclei the size of grains of sand. They may 

 grow by accretion until they are as large as a baseball. Some 

 are quite smooth externally, others are very rough, and continu- 

 ally irritate the bladder, causing the horse to urinate at frequent 

 intervals. Solvents for cystic calculi are not very successful. 

 Operative treatment by which they are completely removed is 

 the only satisfactory method in handling these cases. 



CONCRETIONS 



Concretions are formed of closely packed undigested vegetable 

 matter and are found only in the digestive canal. The hair-like 

 processes on the stems and heads of crimson clover which has been 

 allowed fully to mature before cutting may form "hair balls" 

 when eaten by horses and mules. To avoid this trouble such hay 

 should be fed in small quantities or mixed with other hay. If it 

 is sprinkled with water twelve hours before feeding the claim is 

 made that the danger of hair-ball formation is considerably 

 reduced. True hair balls are composed of hair ; they are often found 

 in cattle. A physic administered with strychnine to stimulate 

 bowel activity is the best treatment. 



CYSTS 



A cyst is a pathologic cavity provided with a distinct membrane 

 enclosing fluid or semifluid contents. It is a secondary formation. 



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