This condition of the kidney has been found in the ox (Gerlach) and dog
(Rabe, etc.). There are usually similar degenerative lesions in the
liver, pancreas, intestines and other organs. It is usually a
concomitant of some chronic wasting disease (chronic nephritis,
tuberculosis, etc.).
_Morbid Anatomy._ The kidney is usually enlarged, pale and on section
waxy or glistening. Soaked in dilute compound tincture of iodine it
shows spots of a walnut or mahogany brown color. The glomeruli are well
marked and show the earlier changes, later the tubes do so excepting the
epithelium. The latter is swollen, granular, fatty.
_Symptoms._ There may have been those of chronic nephritis. Rabe has
noticed in dogs dropsy of the limbs, ascites, emaciation, anorexia,
followed by uræmia, coma, weakness, vomiting, and if the kidney alone
was affected great lowering of temperature (35.9°C). With hepatic
complication there was greater weakness, giddiness, and higher
temperature (39.6°C). Urine is usually increased (in man albuminous) and
the casts have shown the anyloid reaction. They tend to be fatty or
finely granular. Casts may, however, show anyloid reaction when the
kidney, post mortem, does not (Jaksch).
_Diagnosis_ from Bright’s disease is often impossible.
_Treatment_ is essentially the same as in chronic nephritis, and is not
hopeful.
Trasbot recommends KI 3 to 7 grs., or tinct of iodine 3 drops for
shepherd dog. Ol. terebinth and alkaline diuretics are also commended.