INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.
In this disease and inflammation of the kidneys, the symptoms are nearly similar; therefore, in order to ascertain whether the disease is inflammation of the bladder or inflammation of the kidneys, it is necessary to introduce the hand into the rectum, where you will find the bladder immediately under the hand, if it feels hard and full, accompanied by more than natural heat and tenderness, it is a sure case of inflammation of the bladder, but if the bladder is empty and no increased heat is apparent, then it must be a case of inflammation of the kidneys.
In treating these two diseases—though the symptoms are so much alike—be very careful to observe that the course of treatment recommended in each is entirely different, and should you give the medicine prescribed for inflammation of the bladder for that of the kidneys, it will greatly endanger the life of the horse.
Symptoms.
The early symptoms in this disease are generally those of fever, but the seat of the disease soon becomes apparent. The horse occasionally looks round at his flanks, stands with his hind legs wide apart, is unwilling to lie down, straddles as he walks, evinces great pain in turning, shrinks when his loins are pressed; the loins feel hot, the urine is voided in small quantities, which is often highly colored and sometimes bloody; he tries to urinate very often and strains painfully, but the discharge is nearly or quite suppressed; the pulse is quick, hard and full at first, but rapidly becomes small, indicating a disease of the urinary organs, yet not distinguishing inflammation of the bladder from inflammation of the kidneys.
Treatment—Remedy.
When you feel satisfied that it is a case of inflammation of the bladder, blister the loins with the blister ointment and give 1 ounce of turpentine with 1 ounce of laudanum.