174 



DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



caused by pilocarpine it is wise to combine it with strychnine sul- 

 phate (H., gr. ii; D., gr. 1/60 to gr. 1/20). 



Digitalis may be given in the later stages as a diuretic and 

 heart stimulant — 3i of the fluidextract each six hours for large 

 patients; fifteen minims of the tincture for dogs, combined with 

 potassium acetate (H., %i; D., gr. xv) in solution. In convalesence, 

 the tincture of ferric chloride (H. and C, gi; D., I^xx-xxx) is of 

 value. 



Uremia is best prevented and combated with cathartics, vene- 

 section, followed by enteroclysis (see p. 287), and the use of 

 chloral hydrate and sodium bromide by the mouth or rectum, and 

 chloroform by inhalation in convulsions. 



Chronic Nephritis. — Chronic nephritis occurs occasionally 

 in all animals. Its etiology is uncertain, but it may follow the acute 

 form, and is thought to be also caused by the various acute infec- 

 tions, by autointoxications and repeated pregnancies (including 

 both of two latter causes), continued suppuration in the lower 

 urinary tract and elsewhere, tuberculosis and atheroma. It gen- 

 erally develops insidiously and is first shown by anorexia, general 

 weakness and emaciation, sometimes colic, edema in dependant 

 parts, hypertrophy of the heart with palpitation, dyspnea, bronchitis 

 and edema of the lungs, and finally uremia with convulsions, and 

 coma. Examination of the urine for the presence of albumen, casts 

 and fat will alone make a positive diagnosis possible. The amount 

 and character of the urine will depend upon whether the parenchy- 

 matous (large white kidney) or interstitial (contracted kidney) 

 forms predominate. The enlarged kidney may be palpated per 

 rectum in cattle and tenderness in the loins elicited. 



Treatment is unsatisfactory, as a fatal ending will generally 

 occur sooner or later. Large doses of iron are useful and the 

 tincture of the chloride has a diuretic action and may be adminis- 

 tered with an equal amount of sweet spirit of nitre three times 

 daily (H., gi; D., fflxxx). If dropsy is present, digitalis is essen- 



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