This affection takes its name from the high color of the urine. It is
not, strictly speaking, a disease, but only a symptom of derangement,
caused by high feeding or the suppression of some natural discharge. If,
for example, the skin be obstructed, then the insensible perspiration
and excrementitious matter, which should pass through this great outlet,
find some other mode of egress; either the lungs of kidneys have to
perform the extra work. If the lot falls on the latter, and they are not
in a physiological state, they give evidence of febrile or inflammatory
action (caused by the irritating, acrid character of their secretion) in
the form of high-colored urine. In all cases of derangement in the
digestive apparatus, liver included, both in man and oxen, the urine is
generally high colored; and the use of diuretic medicines is
objectionable, for, at best, it would only be treating symptoms. We lay
it down as a fundamental principle, that those who treat symptoms alone
never cure disease, for the animal often dies a victim to the treatment,
instead of the malady.
Whenever an animal is in a state of plethora, and the usual amount of
morbific matter cannot find egress, some portion of it is reabsorbed,
producing a deleterious effect: the urine will then be high colored,
plainly demonstrating that nature is making an effort to rid the system
of useless material, and will do so unless interfered with by the use of
means opposed to the cure, such as blood-letting, physicking, and
diuretics.
The urine will appear high colored, and approach a red hue, in many cows
after calving, in inflammation of the womb, gastric fever, puerperal
fever, fevers generally, inflammation of the kidneys, indigestion; in
short, many forms of acute disease are accompanied by high-colored
urine.
The treatment, like that of any other form of derangement, must be
general. Excite all parts of the system to healthy action. If the bowels
are constipated, give the following:--
Golden seal, 1 table-spoonful.
Thoroughwort tea, 2 quarts.
To be given at a dose. Scalded shorts will be the most suitable food, if
any is required; but, generally, abstinence is necessary, especially if
the animal be fat. If the surface and extremities are cold, give an
infusion of pennyroyal, catnip, sage, or hyssop; and rub the belly and
legs with
Hot vinegar, 1 quart.
Powdered lobelia or cayenne, 1 ounce.
If the kidneys are inflamed,--which may be known by tenderness in the
region of the loins, and by the animal standing with the legs widely
separated,--the urine being of a dark red color, then, in addition to
the application of stimulating liniment to the belly and legs, a
poultice may be placed over the kidneys.
_Poultice for inflamed Kidneys._
Slippery elm, 8 ounces.
Lobelia, 4 ounces.
Boiling water sufficient.
_Another._
Linseed, } equal parts
Marshmallows, }
Boiling water sufficient.
Lay the poultice on the loins, pass a cloth over it, and secure under
the belly.
A drink of marshmallows is the only fluid that can with safety be
allowed.
If the horns, ears, and surface are hot, sponge the whole surface with
weak lie or saleratus water, and give the following antifebrile drink:--
Lemon balm, 2 ounces.
Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
Honey, 1 gill.
When cold, strain, and give a pint every fifteen minutes.
If the bowels are constipated, use injections of soap-suds.
Suppose the animal to be in poor condition, hide bound, liver inactive,
the excrement of a dark color and fetid odor. Then use
Powdered golden seal, 2 ounces.
" caraways, 1 ounce.
" cayenne, 1 tea-spoonful.
Poplar bark, or slippery elm, 2 ounces.
Mix, divide into ten parts, and give one, in thin gruel, three times a
day. The animal should be fed on boiled carrots, scalded shorts, into
which a few handfuls of meal or flour may be stirred. In short, consider
the nature of the case; look beyond the symptoms, ascertain the cause,
and, if possible, remove it. An infusion of either of the following
articles may be given at discretion: marshmallows, linseed, juniper
berries, pond lily roots, poplar bark, or queen of the meadow.
Mr. Cole remarks that "red water is most common in cows of weak
constitution, a general relaxation, poor blood, &c."
In such cases, a nutritious diet, cleanliness, good nursing, friction on
the surface, comfortable quarters at night, and an occasional tonic will
accomplish wonders.
_Tonic Mixture._
Powdered golden seal, 1 tea-spoonful.
" balmony, 2 tea-spoonfuls.
Mix the above in shorts or meal. Repeat night and morning until
convalescence is established. In cases of great prostration, where it is
necessary to act with promptitude, the following infusion may be
substituted:--
Thoroughwort, }
Golden seal, } of each, 1 ounce.
Camomile flowers, }
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
After standing one hour, strain, and give a pint every four hours.