NEPHRITIS.                                     233

                   RUPTURE OF THE SPLEEN.

The possibility of a rupture of the spleen as the result of a severe
blow or fall must not be overlooked. The symptoms in the case of
an extensive rent are those of rapid internal haemorrhage, great
paleness of the mucous membranes, rapid loss of strength, coldness
of the limbs, ears, etc., weak pulse, a falling body temperature,
frightened appearance of the animal, ending in death in a short time.

Death from haemorrhage also occurs as a result of penetrating
wounds of this organ.

Treatment.—Try and control the haemorrhage. The most
useful drugs are extract of ergot in doses of 1 to 2 drachms, acetate
of lead 2 drachms, well diluted with treacle and water, and prepara-
tions of iron.

NEPHRITIS OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

The kidneys like other organs are apt to become inflamed.

Causes.—Chill from exposure to cold and wet ; any of the acute
fevers, such as anthrax, certain drugs, such as Spanish-fly (can-
tharides) and turpentine.

Symptoms.—Fever with its usual symptoms noted under that
condition ; usually increased frequency in voiding water, which act
is often accompanied by colicky pain, but the amount of water
passed is frequently very small ; sometimes it is suppressed. The
urine itself is very high-coloured and may be mixed with blood.

Prognosis.—As the function of the kidneys already described is
to remove poisonous matters from the blood, it follows that when
these organs are diseased these poisons are partially or wholly
retained and may produce death, usually accompanied by violent
convulsions ; hence prognosis is unfavourable.

Treatment: Local.—Frequent hot fomentations by means of
rugs wrung out of hot water should be persevered with. Care should
be taken to dry the parts after. Clothe the loins or rub in liniment
to avoid chill. A mustard plaster, 18 inches square, may be
applied over the kidneys. Neither turpentine nor cantharides
(Spanish-fly) should on any account be applied as a liniment or blister.

Soap and warm water enemas, to which may be added one ounce
of chloral, or extract of belladonna 2½ drachms rubbed down, tend
to afford relief when there is much pain.

General.—A liberal allowance of freshly-made gruel—linseed,
wheaten or rice, to which jaggery or salt may be added. A tub of
fresh clean water kept at the standing. Food should be given