THE URINARY ORGANS--THEIR ACCIDENTS AND THEIR DISEASES.
NEPHRITIS OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
The straddling gait is not peculiar to any one disorder. It denotes no
more than the region in which the affection is to be sought; but it does
not characterize any special disease. Therefore so general a trait is
placed at the head of the chapter treating of ailments confined to the
urinary organs, so that he who perceives the horse assume this position
may at once recognize that part of the body in which the disorder resides.
[Illustration: THE GENERAL SYMPTOM WHICH ATTENDS ALL DISEASES OF THE
URINARY ORGANS.]
=Nephritis= is not so common at the present time as it used to be
formerly; the growing information of the people has in some measure
altered the practices of the stable. The master is not quite so much
the slave of a groom's ignorance as was once universally the case; the
animal is no longer regarded as a mysterious creature which it required a
particular education to understand. Urine balls, therefore, are no longer
regularly kept in every loft. Niter--one ounce of "_sweet_ nitre," or, to
speak correctly, an overdose of _harsh_ saltpeter--may, however, be still
permitted, and by particular horse proprietors regarded as a charm against
every ill. It is true that such a dose of a powerful diuretic is four
times the strength which science would, under any circumstances, approve;
but certain people in remote parts are happy in the conviction that an
ounce of "_sweet_ niter" can _possibly_ do no harm.
The urinary organs of the horse must be little disposed to disease; they
must be capable of surmounting a vast quantity of ill treatment. Were not
ignorance thereby protected from the consequences which it provokes, half
the horses in England would be disabled; inflammation of the kidneys would
become the most common of equine disorders.
The horse has small need of diuretic medicine; it is much exposed in that
direction. Every purge, should it not act as intended, passes out of the
body by stimulating the kidneys; the ordinary provender of the animal may
operate in the same manner. Foxy oats, kiln-dried oats, new oats; musty
hay, mow-burnt hay, new hay; beans in particular conditions; grasses,
when first in season, and water of any novel kind, will all operate
energetically upon the renal glands; therefore the horse, in its ordinary
food, will possibly imbibe more than a sufficiency of a most debilitating
medicine; and the knowledge of such a liability may induce some men to
withhold "_sweet_ niter" from the future diet of the creature.
It may be necessary to inform men and masters that a horse needs rest when
under the operation of diuretic, quite as much as when subject to the
action of purgative medicine. It is never safe to take the horse from the
stable while the animal is passing any unusual amount of water. Excess of
secretion proves the eliminating organs are excited. Before any part can
exhibit excitement, an extra quantity of blood must circulate within it,
or it must be in a condition bordering upon inflammation. The urine is
secreted from the blood by the kidneys; therefore before a greater bulk of
water can be passed, of course more blood must flow through the glands.
The animal in such a state is not fit for work; every step taken brings
into action muscles which pass directly under the kidneys, and which
must, therefore, when contracted, compress those organs. During labor,
in proportion to the force required must be the power of the contraction
exerted by the organs of motion; in a healthy state, such exertion is not
always free from danger. Excitement is, however, far from a healthy state.
Then the glands are gorged with blood; being squeezed for an hour or two
while thus swollen or plethoric, they are very likely to be bruised;
inflammation may thereby be engendered, or renal abscess may possibly
ensue.
Agriculturists are entreated to pause over the above statement. Such
persons often possess a well-bred and promising colt. The farmer,
however, is mostly uneasy until he has, according to his own notions,
"tried the beast." He may be a personable man, riding fully "eighteen
stun." The colt, probably, would be taxed to carry a third that load. The
"_sweet_-niter" dose is administered over night to take all fever out
of the body; and, while the kidneys are excited, the animal is saddled,
mounted, and ridden to the hunt. Everybody knows the manner in which most
farmers ride. The horse may have a hard run and be kept out for a long
day. On the return, a full rack and a heaped manger are placed before
the overridden quadruped. Neither are touched. The saddle is removed and
the back appears to be "queerly sticking up." The large full eyes are
repeatedly turned round; and the renter of land is in doubt whether the
creature is staring reproachfully at him or is simply inspecting its
own quarters. However, with the apathy which too many agriculturists
habitually display, the colt is left for the night. By the next morning
the animal is ruined, even should it survive an attack of acute nephritis.
[Illustration: A COLT BROUGHT HOME AFTER THE FARMER HAS TRIED "WHAT KIND
OF STUFF IS IN IT," BY A HARD DAY WITH THE HOUNDS.]
The symptoms of inflammation of the kidneys are a hard pulse, decidedly
accelerated; quickened and short breathing, suggestive of pain; pallid
mucous membranes; frequent looking toward the seat of anguish; head
depressed; back roached; hind legs straddled, and the urine scanty. The
animal almost refuses to "come round" in its stall, seldom lies down, and
crouches beneath pressure when made upon the loins.
Subsequently, as the symptoms alter, pus or matter may subside in the
water. It is indicative of an unfavorable termination should a fetid
odor attend the secretion, and should it be deeply tinted by the blood.
Death is generally close at hand when the pulse grows quicker but more
feeble, when pressure elicits no response, when the body is covered with
perspiration, and when a urinous smell is perceptible on approaching the
animal.
[Illustration: THE TEST FOR NEPHRITIS OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.]
The treatment of nephritis consists in applying fresh sheepskins to the
loins. Should the case be urgent, a quantity of lukewarm made mustard may
be first rubbed in and the sheepskin placed over it; or mustard poultices
in any case may be employed and covered over to prevent them becoming dry,
till sheepskins can be procured. Injections of warm linseed tea should be
thrown up every hour, as these are the nearest approach that can be made
to actual fomentation. Two scruples of croton farina, mixed with half a
drachm of belladonna, may be given immediately in the form of a ball,
the bulk of which should be made up with crushed linseeds and treacle.
One scruple of calomel, with one drachm of opium, may be sprinkled on
the tongue every hour while the acute stage continues. A pail of good
linseed tea should be kept before the horse; but as for more substantial
provender, none is requisite during the agony of the disease.
Should the slightest doubt be entertained concerning the nature of the
affection, immediately insert the arm up the rectum. This intestine is
anatomically spoken of as "a floating gut." It is suspended from the
spine by mesentery or a loose fold of thin membrane, and, therefore, is
easily raised or depressed. It is situated under the kidneys, and nothing
consequently interposes between the diseased organ and the inserted
hand but the pliable coats of the bowel and the fatty substances which
immediately surround the glands. The hand is not conscious of the soft
wall of the intestine which covers it. The motion is so free, and the
fingers are so readily moved, that previous knowledge alone assures the
operator his arm is within a circumscribed canal, and not located in a
free space.
[Illustration: _a a a._ The spine. _b b b._ The mesentery. _c c c._ The
rectum.
A. The extent to which the rectum may by very gradual force be depressed
without injury to the animal.
B. The rectum, with the natural length of mesentery, when not depressed.
C. The rectum raised, showing that the mesentery is very pliable.]
By inserting the hand and moving it gradually upward, an approach can be
made to the immediate vicinity of the inflammation. Sensitiveness will
be exhibited as the seat of disease is touched. Heat will also be felt.
A fore leg should, however, be held up on the same side as the operator
stands. Should the horse struggle violently and denote positive agony
when the hand is approaching the region of the kidneys, the signs may be
considered conclusive without attempting farther exploration. Should the
animal remain quiet at first, nevertheless let the operator be cautious,
as the too near vicinity to the inflamed part provokes resistance, which,
in its utter heedlessness, is closely allied to madness.
[Illustration: A CERTAIN TEST FOR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.]
Several reasons will suggest the point at which the hand should pause.
In the first place, pressure cannot benefit a delicately-formed and a
diseased organ. In the second place, the agony of the animal may endanger
the safety of the operator. In the last place, anything approaching to
downright resistance brings the muscles that pass under the kidneys into
energetic action, which circumstance is by no means favorable to ultimate
recovery.
Many men can speak of the pain induced by affections of the kidneys.
The torture consequent upon disease of an internal organ appears to be
so excessive as at times to destroy reason in the human being. No one
can look upon a horse suffering from nephritis, without feeling that, in
sensibilities at all events, the two creatures are alike. Sympathy has
been interpreted to mean no more than a conscious similarity of emotion.
Such a definition must be erroneous, or more sympathy would actuate man
toward his slave. The life is devoted to the service of the master. The
body is disabled before its time for the pleasure of mankind. The horse is
such a slave as no words can express. It lives but to obey. Its master's
whim is the animal's joy. It is happy to exist where and how its superior
may appoint. Still there is no sympathy felt toward its tortures, no
feeling evinced for its sufferings: its life is one long solitude, its
death is the degradation of misery. Were man to read of some wild beast
capable of such sincere docility, what pains would not be spent to secure
so valuable a companion! The animal is beside him and it is disregarded;
or its goodness is converted into the means for its mutilation.
The additional treatment of nephritis consists more in the food than in
the physic; linseed, both the seeds and the infusion, may be given for
the body's support. The best oats should be procured upon recovery, and
the quality of the hay also should be attended to; as for physic, that is
almost limited to belladonna and to aconite. Belladonna is administered
mixed with four times its amount of opium, so long as the pain is acute.
Extract of belladonna Half a drachm.
Crude opium Two drachms.
Make into a ball with linseed meal and honey; give three daily while the
symptoms require them; or, should the pain be excessive, administer one
every hour.
The aconite root is intended to lower the circulation. When the pulse is
quick and hard, a scruple of the powder may be thrown upon the tongue
every half hour, till the beat of the artery soften, or till the animal
appear to be affected by the medicine. The above measures are to be
adopted without regard to the calomel and opium previously recommended.
A horse having survived one attack of nephritis, can scarcely, however
successful may be the treatment, be restored to its original condition.
The glands which have suffered inflammation must be left in an irritable
state.
CYSTITIS--INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.
This disorder is somewhat rare in the horse. Few cases have occurred;
even those were not strongly marked. Besides the general indications
present during nephritis, such as quickened breathing, accelerated pulse,
straddling gait, etc. etc., the most prominent sign concerns the emission
of the urine. The bladder is irritable at the commencement; the kidneys
have not secreted half a pint of fluid before it is violently expelled,
and much straining, accompanied by sounds expressive of pain, follows the
act. As the disease progresses, the bladder is contracted, and the water
issues drop by drop, or as a constant dribble. This particularity marks
the disease, which is also distinguished from nephritis by the roached
back being absent; the spine rather being hollowed more than is usual in
=cystitis=.
[Illustration: A DANGEROUS TEST FOR INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.]
Most lecturers direct the student to insert the arm up a horse affected
with cystitis and to feel the compressed bladder; this is easily
accomplished, as the engraving demonstrates; but is the operation
perfectly safe? White muscular tissue, when inflamed, becomes acutely
sensitive. The bladder possesses a thick coat of that substance, and the
hand, grasping an organ of this formation when in a state of disease,
would probably torture the sufferer to frenzy. It is not wise to excite
a creature commanding so huge a strength. There is, however, a test
which yields as certain a response, and, at the same time, is far less
hazardous. This consists in placing the hand under the flank and keeping
it there till all the action which could be attributable to skittishness
has disappeared; then press the abdomen, which, should it be hard and
resistant, is a convincing proof cystitis is not present; for contraction
of the recti abdominis muscles would force the contents of the cavity into
violent contact with the inflamed bladder. Should any doubt be entertained
concerning the condition of the muscle named, a little more pressure will
soon ascertain the fact. However, let the person who applies the test be
prepared for the consequence, as the application of pressure to a diseased
organ provokes a sudden and energetic resistance, intended to strike the
tormentor backward.
The treatment for inflamed bladder and diseased kidneys is alike as
regards the administration of aconite root, extract of belladonna, calomel
and opium. The reader is, therefore, in some measure referred to the
article upon nephritis; there is, however, a difference in application of
counter-irritation by means of a rug doubled over a cloth, which last is
saturated with strong liquor of ammonia diluted with six times its bulk
of water; should this not be within reach, hot cloths retained under the
belly are the next best application; but these require constant change
and a larger supply of heated fluid than most private establishments can
command. Should both recommendations prove useless, then apply cloths
dripping wet from a cold bath, and keep renewing them so often as they
become warm.
[Illustration: A SAFER TEST FOR INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.]
[Illustration: APPLICATION OF THE AMMONIACAL BLISTER.]
The cause of cystitis is the same as produces many cases of inflamed
kidney, namely, the abuse of medicine, or new and unwholesome food;
blows likewise may induce it. Kicks under the belly, the too common mode
of expressing impatience among carters, are very likely to provoke it.
Horses are frequently seen in the streets of every town now whipped to
make them proceed; then the rein jagged to command the animal to "stand
still." Next the whip is again applied; afterward the animal's belly is
spitefully aimed at with the heavy boot of the countryman. The horses
know not how to interpret these different signs: they become confused;
they turn various ways, as if they hoped by such devices to please their
chastiser. All is in vain! At length the animals burst into perspiration
and shiver violently; by their alarm they are rendered stupid. But so
disgusting an exhibition of folly and of cruelty on the part of the
driver mostly creates small indignation in the wayfarers who behold it.
The spectators generally look on with smiling countenances, and for the
most part move onward without a word of displeasure or rebuke. To the
human mind a man appears invested with absolute authority over the life
which he has bought. So also no man risks reprobation, who keeps his
animals upon poisonous provender. The hay, oats, and beans may be of a
character calculated to engender disease. But has not the owner purchased
the right to treat his property as he thinks proper? It is true, religion
teaches that life is not in the custody of man, and that health is not at
mortal command; but where horses are involved, all restraints appear to
be forgotten, and mankind seem leagued together to inflict suffering on
the dumb. For, is it not universally agreed that heavenly precepts were
intended for man alone, and do not stoop so low as to include all the
creatures the existence of which dates prior to the origin of the human
being? Animals, according to modern interpretation, are excluded from the
ample embrace of Christian charity. An all-merciful power looks down with
pity only upon one inhabitant of earth!
SPASM OF THE URETHRA.
This affection is commonly designated =spasm of the neck of the bladder=.
The part named, however, has no fiber capable of excitation; and it is
difficult to understand how the elastic tissue at the opening of the
receptacle can display a condition which is inherent only within the
contractibility of muscle. The compressor urethræ muscle, however, being
morbidly excited, is more than capable of preventing all discharge of
urine.
The causes which provoke the spasm are not thoroughly understood. The
affection is mostly attributed to some acridity existing in the food or
water; else the supposed agent is said to be developed during the process
of digestion.
The symptoms are: a widely straddling gait; total suppression of urine,
or small portions forcibly ejected at distant intervals. The suffering
attendant on distention of the bladder is sometimes so violent that the
affection has been mistaken for phrenitis. At other times the horse has
been imagined to be griped. Both these blunders are unpardonable. The
haggard countenance, copious perspirations, and the frequent glances
toward the flanks, joined to the straddling gait and to the desperate but
at the same time guarded struggles, are all opposed to such conclusions.
Were a proper examination instituted, the real nature of the affection
would at once be made apparent, beyond the possibility of error.
[Illustration: MODE TO ASCERTAIN THE DISTENTION OF THE BLADDER.]
Insert the greased arm up the rectum, and, when fully advanced, make
pressure downward; the dilated bladder will then be under the hand. The
best remedies are sulphuric ether and laudanum, which should be given in
large quantities. Four ounces of each should, in a quart of cold water,
be administered by the mouth: the like quantities, blended with three
pints of cold water, ought to be thrown up as an injection. The last being
given, the hand should be placed over the opening and pressed upon it for
ten minutes. Should one dose not succeed, in a quarter of an hour the
injection may be repeated. Again and again it must be had recourse to;
till the spasm is vanquished or till the urine flows freely forth.
Should the horse be seized where no medicine can be obtained, then
extract blood from free openings till fainting takes place. Several small
depletions are very weakening, and a large quantity of the vital fluid
drawn at different times is far less likely to overcome the disease
than one full venesection. Open both jugulars: allow the blood to flow
from both veins till the water rushes forth or the animal falls, when,
insensibility being produced, everything like spasm disappears, and the
bladder will mechanically empty itself. Should not such a relief ensue,
the greased arm may be inserted up the rectum, and gentle pressure
made upon the gorged viscus. Advantage is thus taken of the animal's
insensibility to adopt a mode of relief which we dare not hazard while
consciousness is retained.
CALCULI.
Stones within the urinary apparatus are designated by various names, that
are derived from the situations in which they are found. Thus =renal
calculus= represents a stone which has been discovered within the pelvis
of the kidney. =Uretal calculus= implies a stone found within the tubes
leading from the kidneys to the bladder; but calculi of this kind are
as yet unknown in the horse. =Cystic calculus= signifies a stone which
resides in the cavity of the bladder. =Urethral calculus= denotes a stone
which was detected within the passage leading from the bladder. Of these
the cystic are altogether the largest, and the renal, at a considerable
distance, rank as the next in magnitude. All consist of carbonate of lime
or of common chalk, held firmly together by the secretion of the mucous
membrane.
The symptoms which characterize renal calculus are not well marked. The
urine may become purulent, thick, opaque, gritty or bloody. Exertion may
provoke extreme anguish, resembling a severe fit of colic; but the attack
is distinguished from genuine gripes by the back, during the pain, being
always roached. However, the most decided symptom is of a negative nature;
being the absence of stone in the bladder to account for the diseased
urine. The inference is, moreover, strengthened if, when the hand within
the rectum is carried upward, pain and alarm are elicited; or if pressure
made upon the loins causes the animal to shrink.
Cystic calculus is denoted, as is the previous kind of stone, by certain
conditions of the urine. Added to these general signs, the water, when
flowing forth, will often be suddenly stopped, and every emission is
followed by violent straining. Abdominal pains also are present; but
the back is rather hollowed than roached. The point of the penis is, in
particular instances, constantly exposed; and the horse, when going down
hill, sometimes pulls up short, either to recover from torture or to
relieve the bladder.
[Illustration: A CERTAIN METHOD OF ASCERTAINING IF THERE BE CALCULUS IN
THE BLADDER.]
The way to ascertain the presence of cystic calculus is to make an
examination per rectum. Make the investigation with all gentleness.
The foreign body may then be distinctly felt; even its size, form, and
irregularities can by this means be discovered.
Urethral calculus is a small stone which, during the flow of urine, has
been carried out of the bladder and is spasmodically grasped by the muscle
of the urethra. The passage is effectually closed and great suffering
is induced. Should the stone be impacted within the exposed part of
the canal, the precise situation is easily told. Behind the stoppage
the passage is distended by fluid; while before it all is natural. The
calculus should be cut down and removed; the wound being afterward dressed
with a solution of chloride of zinc--one grain to the ounce of water.
This is an easy and by no means a dangerous operation. Any person of
ordinary skill having a sharp knife may undertake it.
For renal calculus little can be done. That little, however, consists in
mingling two drachms of hydrochloric acid with every pail of water, and
allowing the animal to imbibe as much as it pleases. Should the medicated
drink be refused, the horse must be starved into accepting it. With
this liquid, however, the stone must be small to be dissolved; but it
effectually checks the further increase of the calculus.
=Lithotomy= is the name given to that operation by which large stones are
removed from the bladder of the horse. It is far too complicated and too
serious a proceeding to be entrusted to any general reader. No direction
which possibly could be misconstrued shall, therefore, be attempted. When
an operation is required for stone in the bladder, a qualified veterinary
surgeon had better be employed. Mr. Simmonds, of the Royal Veterinary
College, Camden Town, however, deserves praise for having invented an
instrument by means of which stone can generally be removed from the
bladder of the mare without resort to the knife being necessary.
HEMATURIA, OR BLOODY URINE.
The name fully characterizes this affection. The blood emitted may consist
of small clots; it may congeal after it has left the body; or it may be
entirely mingled with--giving a brownish tinge to--the water. Upon the
exhibition of this disorder, always treat the symptoms first; when all
chance of immediate danger has disappeared, examine the body to ascertain
whence the hemorrhage proceeded, because in this affection the symptoms
really constitute the disease; and when the first has disappeared, the
last is cured.
[Illustration: A HORSE SUFFERING FROM HEMATURIA, OR BLOODY URINE.]
The extent of the bleeding, of course, regulates the symptoms. When that
is copious, the breathing is short and quick; the pupils of the eye are
dilated; the pulse is not to be felt at the jaw; the head is pendulous;
and the visible mucous membranes are cold as well as pallid. Lifting the
head produces staggering; if continued, the animal would fall. The back
is roached; the flanks are tucked up, and the legs widely separated, as
though the horse was aware of its inability to support its body.
The treatment consists in disturbing the sufferer as little as possible;
in acting upon the report received, for in a case of this kind it is
hardly credible there should be any mistake. Administer, as gently as
it can be done, two drachms of acetate of lead in half a pint of cold
water, or as a ball, if one can be delivered. If this has no effect, in a
quarter of an hour, or sooner should the symptoms demand haste, repeat the
dose, adding, however, one ounce of laudanum or two drachms of powdered
opium. Give two more drinks or balls of the like composition; but should
these be followed by no beneficial result, change the medicine after the
administration of one ounce of acetate of lead.
When the indications are not alarming, the horse may be left for a couple
of hours, with strict orders that the animal be watched, but on no account
disturbed. Should, however, activity be required, obtain some of the
coldest water, and have several pailfuls dashed from a height upon the
loins. After this inject some of the same fluid, allowing the water to
flow freely forth from the anus--the object only being to procure the
advantages of excessive cold. For medicine, a trial may be made of the
ergot of rye. Pour on to four drachms of the drug half a pint of boiling
water, and, when cold, add one ounce of laudanum and four ounces of dilute
acetic acid--not vinegar, as that always contains sulphuric acid, which
would counteract the action of the lead. Two drinks, two enemas, (each
lasting twenty minutes,) and any quantity of water upon the loins will
serve for the second hour.
If these remedies have produced no change, all further treatment must be
suspended for eight hours, at the expiration of which period the treatment
may be resumed, and the previous measures repeated.
Should the hemorrhage have ceased, leave the horse undisturbed for the
night. On the following day, if no blood has been noticed, have the animal
gently led under cover. Then proceed to examine the horse per rectum. If
the kidneys are not enlarged, hardened, or sensitive, and if the bladder
is without stone, but of its natural thickness, there is every prospect of
a favorable termination.
Should the bladder be thickened, adopt the treatment laid down for
cystitis; if stone is discovered, an operation is indicated; be the
kidneys disorganized, the case is hopeless. If none of these are present,
then any of the following medicines may be experimented with, it always
being uncertain which will prove beneficial:--
Extract of catechu In one-ounce doses daily.
Strong infusion of oak bark Three pints daily.
Alum One ounce daily.
Sulphate of iron or of copper One ounce daily.
Muriatic acid Six drachms daily.
DIABETES INSIPIDUS, OR PROFUSE STALING.
In this affection, which, properly treated, is but a passing annoyance,
the thirst is enormous; but more fluid is voided than the animal drinks.
The strength and condition are quickly lost, while the flesh fades rapidly
away.
Either the horse has been tampered with by the groom, or the hay, oats,
or beans are unsound. A sudden change of water is said to produce the
disorder; but that, probably, is far more a stable excuse than an
established cause. However, change both food and water. Take into the
stable two slips of blotting-paper. Dip the ends of them into some of
the urine, which will always be retained in the interspaces of the brick
flooring. Smell one piece. If it communicates a scent resembling violets,
that is proof positive turpentine has been administered. Dry the other
piece. Should that, when perfectly dry, and a light is applied, prove
to be touch-paper, the evidence is conclusive: "sweet niter" has been
secretly given to the animal. Should both these tests fail, the groom is
innocent, as other diuretics are unknown in the stable.
The horse should not be taken out while the prominent symptom lasts; it
is languid; is unfit for work or even exercise. No brutality can quicken
the body when the vital powers are exhausted; but inattention to the
suggestion of mere humanity may change a slight and temporary evil into a
severe and critical disorder--nephritis.
A pail of good linseed tea, made by pouring boiling water on whole
linseeds, and afterward allowing the infusion to stand till lukewarm,
should be constantly before the manger. The animal may drink according to
the dictates of its condition. The linseed, when strained off and mixed
with sound bruised and scalded oats, may be given as food. No hay or grass
should be allowed. Attend to the grooming, although it is a sick horse
and does not go out. Nothing relieves the kidneys more than the restored
action of the skin. A ball may be given every day. It should consist of--
Iodide of iron One drachm.
Honey and linseed meal A sufficiency.
Or, should a drink be preferred, dilute--
Phosphoric acid One ounce.
Water One pint.
Give night and morning.
The author was once prepossessed in favor of iodide of potassium for the
cure of diabetes. He is indebted to Mr. Woodger, the excellent practical
veterinary surgeon of Paddington, for a knowledge of the very superior
efficacy of the drug just named. It exercises a potent action over the
kidneys, at the same time it is a first class tonic, and in a surprising
manner reduces the desire for fluids. It is in all respects the exact
medicine which could be wished for in a case of =diabetes insipidus=.
ALBUMINOUS URINE.
Two cases of this description occurred in the extensive practice of the
late William Percivall, Esq. They are narrated in the admirable work
entitled "Hippopathology," bequeathed to posterity by the estimable
author. The present writer having been honored by the friendship of the
gentleman named, is, from frequent conversations upon the subject, the
better able to describe and to depict the disorder.
[Illustration: THE POSITIONS ASSUMED BY HORSES HAVING ALBUMINOUS URINE.]
The positions of both horses were remarkable. One stretched the fore and
hind legs out, as though it were about to urinate; the other roached the
back and brought the hind feet under the body as far as possible. Turning
in the stalls was, in each case, accomplished with difficulty; and the
straddling gait remarkable in both, indicating the seat of the affection.
Some urine being caught by the groom, it was thick but clear--like melted
calves' foot jelly--and, when cold, the surface was uneven. Bichloride of
mercury being added to a portion of the fluid, caused a thick, colorless,
opaque substance--resembling coagulated white of egg--to be thrown down,
leaving a clear straw-colored liquor above the settlement. Another portion
being first treated with acetic acid, afterward mixed with prussiate of
potash and subsequently boiled, became in appearance like to milk. With
time, however, a white sediment occurred, leaving the fluid perfectly
clear.
Mr. Percivall's treatment was mildly depletive. He bled moderately, gave
a laxative, and applied mustard to the loins for a brief space. Perfect
rest, strict attention to diet, and repeated doses of opium, constituted
the after-measures. It is also mentioned that diuretics, tonics, and
stimulants were tried, but all proved injurious. Both animals ultimately
recovered.
[Illustration: THE TESTS FOR ALBUMINOUS URINE.
A. The appearance of the urine when cold, being partially rough on
the surface. Sometimes, however, the fluid is merely thicker than
usual, appearing like water in which a portion of gum has been
dissolved.
B. The white precipitate produced by the addition of a portion of
the solution of bichloride of mercury.
C. Some urine to which a little acetic acid was first added. A
portion of the solution of prussiate of potash was subsequently
introduced. The liquid was then boiled, when it became thick, white,
and opaque, like milk.
]
Those who desire ampler details are referred to "Hippopathology," by W.
Percivall, published by Longman & Co.