AZOTURIA. 161 



The predisposing causes are the factors which favor the de- 

 velopment of the disease and include the following : high flesh, 

 diet rich in proteid, and full feed during a period of rest, follow- 

 ing a period of regular work. Most cases appear during the 

 prime of life. Mares are more frequently affected than geldings, 

 but all are liable. 



The chief precipitating factor is active exercise, following 

 idleness on full feed under conditions above given. It is probable 

 that there occurs an accumulation of surplus proteid matters in 

 the system during the period of idleness, which are rapidly dis- 

 organized when exercise begins. Just how this excess of 

 proteid matters in the body serves to develop the disease, and 

 what the close connection between this condition and the symptoms 

 which appear, are matters of interesting scientific speculation but 

 need not be discussed here. What part may be played in this 

 disease by sudden exposures to cold after confinement in warm, 

 damp stables is a point of dispute. Some very good and recent 

 authorities ascribe a very prominent place to this condition among 

 the causes of azoturia. It is quite possible that the two condi- 

 tions of accumulated proteids and sudden exposure to cold may be 

 associated in many cases. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms appear suddenly with little or no 

 warning and are very uniform. The horse frequently comes out 

 of the stable feeling unusually well, then after going a short dis- 

 tance there is a sudden lameness or stiffness in his hind legs. 

 Sometimes both are affected alike but usually one first. The 

 horse staggers, is very weak on his hind legs and may fall before 

 he can be unhitched. These patients perspire very freely before 

 and after going down ; the muscles over the loins and hips are 

 rigid to the touch, and frequently tender on pressure and may 

 tremble or twitch. 



The urine is highly colored, varying from red to almost black 

 and is usually increased in specific gravity ; ;'. c., heavier than 

 natural. This abnormal color is due to the presence of the red 

 coloring matter of the blood and voluntary muscles (lean meat), 

 and may be absent in mild cases. 



The pulse may run up to 60 or 80 per minute (normal 42 to 

 48); the temperature may be increased to 102 or 104 (normal 

 101.5), but in many cases the pulse and temperature vary but lit- 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



