258 
A. V. DERR. 
it will fail to transform the albuminoids into urea, and agaiu in a 
few hours time, in some cases, if treated with hygienic and med¬ 
icinal treatment, and in other cases with scarcely any treatment 
except hygienic, leave the horse convalescing and soon all 
right ? 
We see that by stopping a horse when we first notice the dis¬ 
ease manifesting itself, would that have anything to do with abat¬ 
ing this disease, if it were the liver failing to transform the al¬ 
buminoids into urea, for the blood would still circulate through 
the portal system the same, and the cause would still remain 
until the fatal point was reached, or would be abated by medic¬ 
inal treatment; and again, if it was the above stated cause, why 
would not all cases be attacked the same, instead of some in the 
anterior and some in the posterior, while others in the whole 
system ? 
We know the liver is one of the largest secretory glands in 
the body, and one of the most vital organs of the viscera; and 
when once so functionally deranged that it will not transform the 
albuminoids into urea, we would see more or less premonitory 
symptoms before the horse was started on its journey, and ip 
place of the horse going out of the stable in fine spirits, it would 
be languid and inactive. 
Let us notice a few of the symptoms of azoturia, to discover 
the manner and the reason for the manifestation of the disease. 
When carbonic dioxide is first formed it acts as a stimulant and 
seems “ to brace the horse up,” similar to a dose of alcohol; 
while when it is formed in excess till it produces its physiological 
action, it will cause clonic or tonic spasms of the muscles in¬ 
volved. Another symptom we notice is the extensive perspira¬ 
tion. When carbon and oxygen unite through a chemical union, 
there is a certain amount of heat formed which is eliminated from 
the system by the cuticles of the common integument, which acts 
as 'a diaphoretic, and causing excessive perspiration. Another 
channel in which this carbonic acid gas is given off is the respira¬ 
tory system, for the breathing will be accelerated, which is caused 
by the carbonic acid gas stimulating the pneumogastric nerve; 
and that nerye beipg given off from the medula oblongata, the im- 
