This disease is usually the result of giving diuretics, such as saltpetre, cantharides, or similar irritating medicines. It may also be the effect of a cold and exposure, or of a stone in the bladder, and the disease may occupy the neck of the bladder, or the organ itself. The symptoms are similar to that of Inflammation of the Kidneys; the horse makes frequent and painful attempts to stale, but passes only a few drops of water at a time. The bladder cannot retain the urine from its excessive irritability, so that the attempt to void it is constantly going on. The urine may be clear, or mixed with mucus, or stained with blood.
The Treatment is the same as for Inflammation of the Kidneys, the remedy for that disease, H.H., being given every two hours, in doses of fifteen drops, or less frequently, according to the urgency of the case. In some cases the A.A., may be given in alternation, as for Inflammation of the Kidneys; but in general, the remedy first mentioned H.H., will be found every way efficient and available.
Hematuria, or Bloody Urine
This is usually a mere symptom of some other disease. Blows, or a violent strain of the loins, some kinds of irritating plants, stones in the kidneys or bladder; ulceration of the bladder; Spanish flies given internally or administered as a blister—may either of them produce bloody urine as a symptom.
The symptoms are: discharge of urine, mixed more or less with blood, or containing clots. When the blood is caused by some disease of the kidney, there is usually pain in walking, straddling of the hind legs, and an awkward way of walking. If the blood comes from the kidneys, it will be intimately mixed with the urine; but if from the bladder, it will pass off with the last of the urine rather than the first.
Treatment.—Fifteen drops of the H.H., given three times per day, will generally promptly relieve. If dependent upon organic disease, more time may be required, but the remedy is the same. If it fails, give a large spoonful of Humphreys’ Marvel Witch Hazel, poured upon the tongue three times per day.
Retention of Urine
From holding the urine too long, cramp or spasm of the neck of the bladder, stone in the bladder, or other disease, which prevents the bladder contracting upon its contents, there may be retention, and the animal unable to void his urine.
The symptoms are similar to those in colic, but characterized, however, by the horse putting himself in the attitude of staling, and straining with great force, as in the act of passing water, without any, or very little, being discharged. This symptom may be present in cases of gripes or colic, the bladder acting in sympathy with the cramped intestine. All doubt may be removed by inserting the hand into the rectum, when the bladder, if full, will be found large, tense and full of water.
This disease may be recognized by the animal frequently putting himself in a position to pass urine, but without succeeding, or at most only a few drops are voided; there is also great restlessness, shifting from place to place, moaning, looking at the flanks, pawing with the fore-feet.