358 
NEPHRITIS AND PARAPLEGIA. 
citrine-coloured serosity. The peritoneum and the mesentery of 
a deep red colour, with a slight tint of yellow. The cortical sub- 
stance of the kidneys softened, and of a deep colour, especially 
towards the outer surface, which was black. The ureters, the 
bladder, and the canal of the urethra in a normal state. 
Such were the diseases which presented themselves to us when 
those which I am about to relate suddenly attacked some of the 
horses of our regiment. 
Case I. Feb. 22, 1835. Acute Nephritis , terminating in Gan - 
grcne. — A Norman horse, fourteen years old, in extraordinary con- 
dition, belonged to one of the officers of our regiment. He was 
seldom ridden by his owner, but always an hour every day by 
the soldier who had the charge of him. He had invariably the 
regimental ration, which, although small, might be considered 
more than sufficient, considering his little work, his state of fat- 
ness, and his age. 
Early in the morning I was sent for by the person who had 
the care of the horses in the town. He reported that this horse 
had contracted a habit of moving about his hind legs while he was 
feeding, and that, for some days past, he had moved them more 
frequently and more rapidly. When mounted, he drew them up 
almost spasmodically. He had always disposed of his usual 
ration : but lately he had passed his urine with some difficulty, 
and always in his sheath. His countenance was as much en- 
livened as usual — he carried his head high — the skin, the hair, 
and the external temperature of the body were in their natural 
state — his hind limbs were slightly widened, particularly the left 
one. At irregular intervals he struck the ground violently with 
both his hind feet, so as to render it almost impossible to approach 
him. When he was calm and tranquil these fits of irritation re- 
turned in a moment if he was touched on the hind quarters. If 
it was attempted to lift one of his legs, he immediately threw 
himself down, and it was dangerous to approach him. He still 
retained his appetite ; there was not any appearance of debility ; 
the respiration was perfectly calm, but the pulse was full. 
Diagnosis. — Irritation of the urinary passages, with some ob- 
struction to the discharge of the urine, but no danger. 
Treatment . — Gruel — emollient enemas. The soldier who had 
charge of him was directed to clean the prepuce thoroughly, which 
had not yet been done. Towards evening six pounds of blood were 
taken from the left jugular. The blood contained a considerable 
quantity of fibrine. At seven, a mash was offered to him, which 
he would not touch. He was perfectly quiet — his countenance 
did not indicate any suffering — there was not the slightest indi- 
cation of pain. 
