CHAPTER XX 

 OTHER NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 



In a broad sense, the non-communicable diseases include all 

 those affections that are not transmissible either by direct or 

 indirect contact of animals. To this group belong diseases 

 of the digestive organs, diseases of the bones and joints, and many- 

 other affections which have been described. This chapter will 

 be devoted to common non-communicable diseases of farm 

 animals not described in preceding chapters. 



The causes of this group of diseases are quite varied. They 

 consist of mechanical agents, bacterial and chemical poisons, 

 and various other substances that interfere with the proper 

 working of body organs. The diseases they produce have 

 accordingly been termed organic or constitutional diseases. It 

 is evident that the course of these diseases would vary widely 

 and their symptoms be indefinite. 



AZOTURIA 



Azoturia occurs when a horse, accustomed to daily work, 

 is exercised after one or two idle days on full feed. It is charac- 

 terized by coffee-colored urine and a partial or complete paralysis 

 of the hind legs. It may occur at any time of year, but it is 

 more common in cold weather. From 20 to 40 per cent, of the 

 cases die, or the animal's usefulness is more or less permanently 

 impaired by atrophy of the affected muscles. Chances of re- 

 covery are poor if the patient is unable to use the limbs after 

 a few days. 



Cause. — Azoturia is an auto-intoxication resulting from im- 

 proper feeding and lack of exercise. Horses in good condition 

 are most susceptible to it. It may be prevented with the greatest 

 certainty by reducing the grain ration about one-third when the 

 animal is idle and by providing daily exercise. 



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