AZOTUREA IN HORSES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 4, Issue 1073, 13 May 1882, Page 2 (Supplement)

AZOTUREA IN HORSES.

; This disoaso.is of common occurrence in Helbdiirno and other largo cities, and seems to bo more prevalent than' formorly. Wo frequently hear of it spoken of as a kidnoy disease, spraiu of the loins, and voriousother names; but it is now known and described as azoturea in Great Britain,'. Well-fed working horses ore most frequently affected, and the disease generally comes On after the korsohas hail a Tew days' rest. When brought out for work tho horso may apparently be in the best of health and spirits, and commence a journey in first-rate style; indeed, It is a common thing to hear a person say, " he never went better in his life," but beforo lie has accomplished more than a mile or two he begins to.show signs of distress. i Symptoms —The first indication of tho disease that will probably bo observed is that the howo bogins to bo unusually fidgoty, and bionics out into a profuse perspiration, followed by sluggishness and a slift gait, with loss of power m tho. hind logs and a disposition to lie down. The muscles of the loins, hind quarters and shoulders, aro : thrown into violent totanic spasms, and the horse may mako several ineffectual attempts to rise, : or, if he succeeds, will soon lio down again. There is often violent straining, and a quantity of dark-colored urine ejected from the bladder. ThVinucous membranes of tho eyes and nostrils' are of a dark red color, and tho pulse and respirations very much increased. The muscles of tho loins and hips become rigidly contracted, and have tho appearance of thick, dense swelling, i Causoi',—The disease 'is due to over-feeding and want of exorcise, whoroby the blood and system generally becomo too rich in nitrogenous elements, which, when the animal is brought into sudden exercise, are converted into urea and hlpptiricacid, &c; and the disease receives its name from the largo quantity of these product* (hat are found in the urine, The presence of this effete material in tho circulation provokes tonic spasms of tho muscles, loss of : motor power in the hind .extremities, 1 titanic convulsions, and filially death by extreme muscular prostration, simulating motor paralysis.—Williams. Treatment. Tho various oxcrctory organs should bo kept freoly acting,'in order to assist nature in expelling the degraded products from the circulation, For this purpose a good dose of physic should be given at tho outset, Tho kidneys are usually pretty active; but.should tlioy iioed a stimulus, a drachm each of powdered colchicum and nitrate of potash should be given tiro or threo times a day, Tho animal should be taken to the nearest available looso box-, and its general comfort well attended to. If unable to riso, ho should bo turned ovor two or three times a day, or mora frequently if he becomes uneasy. Injections should occasionally bo given, to assist the action of the physic, and the horse should bo allowed plenty of cold wator to drink. If tho depression continues for two or three days, one ounce (loses of spirits of nitrous ether should he given two or three times a day, and attempts should be made to get him on his legs, For this purpose sling 3 may be usod, The animal will at first be disinclined to stand, but if the legs are well rubbed, and he is well supported, lie will soon begin to fed himself, He should bo kept in the slings a few days, taking him out occasionally foralittle exerciso, and whoa allowed to lie down for tho first time should bo prevonted from knocking himself about, The diet, for tho first few days, should be of the lightest description, and restricted in quantity, but may do gradually increased as convalescence sots in. A few doses of nux vomica may bo givon if the legs are still weak. If there is any indication of failure of tho heart's action stimulants should be freoly used, Blisters and hot fomentations to tho loins should be avoided, as tlioy aggravate the disease.-~4us(ral«m Veterinary Journal.